The opening day of the Caulfield Cup Carnival took centre stage last Saturday afternoon, while Rosehill, Ascot and Eagle Farm held strong support cards throughout the day. From the key metropolitan meetings, we have found three runners from Ascot and Rosehill that are worth adding to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker after performing well early in their preparation.
Ascot
Rail position: +2m entire circuit
Race 8: Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m) | Time: 0:59.48
- Horse to follow: West Star (2nd)
West Star returned from a four-month spell in the Max Simmonds Stakes on the opening day at Ascot Racecourse, where the Simon Miller-trained gelding flashed home from the back to run second behind Charino. This son of Playing God had won his last two starts at Belmont over 1000m before his fresh run, a record that installed him as a well-backed favourite last weekend. Chris Parnham settled this guy near the rear of the field before making his move at the 600m mark. Although West Star had to sustain a long run out wide, he finished the best of any of his rivals and should appreciate a rise in trip second-up.
When to bet: West Star holds a nomination for several races during The Pinnacles in Western Australia, so it is expected that Simon Miller will keep him fresh for his next run in the Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) on November 16.
Rosehill
Rail position: +2m 1500m-900m, +3 remainder
Race 8: Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:22.03
- Horse to follow: Territory Express (6th)
Following an impressive autumn and winter preparation, Territory Express returned for his spring campaign in the Alan Brown Stakes. The Paul Niceforo-trained galloper was sent around at long odds with horse racing bookmakers; however, he performed much better than his quote suggested. After jumping from barrier 17, Ashley Morgan settled the five-year-old gelding at the back of the field and enjoyed the strong tempo. As the field hit the home turn, this son of Territories started to make his run, switching tracks two or three times and taking runs between his rivals before flashing through the pack to finish sixth.
When to bet: As a five-year-old, the Listed Five Diamonds (1800m) on November 9 at Rosehill appears to be the main target for Territory Express. Expect him to contest the Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) on October 26 at Randwick second-up.
Race 9: Group 3 The Nivison (1200m) | Time: 1:09.49
- Horse to follow: Coco Jamboo (4th)
Coco Jamboo produced one of the better runs in defeat in The Nivison, as the Peter Snowden-trained mare smashed through the line over 1200m behind Olentia. This daughter of Massaat returned for her second racing preparation in Australia last Saturday, following three starts during the winter at Hawkesbury and Eagle Farm, all at Group level. First-up off a three-month spell, the five-year-old mare settled midfield behind the speed, but she was made to wait for a run upon straightening. The winner went straight past this girl before Kerrin McEvoy got her into the clear, and once she got out of traffic, Coco Jamboo flew home to finish fourth.
When to bet: After such a strong performance over 1200m, connections will be hoping to receive a ticket into the Group 2 Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 26. However, if she doesn’t get an invitation, look out for Coco Jamboo in a 1300m or 1400m race next start.
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