Last weekend, Randwick took centre stage with its Missile Stakes meeting, while Moonee Valley, Sunshine Coast and Morphettville held strong support cards. With the spring carnival just two weeks away, this week’s edition of The Follow Files focuses on three runners who will compete in Group or Listed races throughout their preparation. You can add these horses to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and receive notifications before they run.
Moonee Valley
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 2: 3YO Handicap (1000m) | Time: 1:00.61
- Horse to follow: Last Druid (2nd)
After breaking his maiden at Wyong in June, Last Druid has been sent down to Melbourne, where he has recorded back-to-back second-place finishes. The James Cummings-trained colt was very impressive in his most recent start, when the son of Brazen Beau had his first look at Moonee Valley over 1000m. In just his fifth career start, Last Druid settled last before weaving his way through traffic to let down with a strong finish, recording the fastest last 600m (35.26s), 400m (23.32s) and 200m (11.63s) sections of the entire meeting.
When to bet: Cummings has nominated his colt in the Group 3 Vain Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield, where he could face off with Blue Stratum again. With an extra 100m and a bigger track, Last Druid can turn the tables from last start.
Randwick
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 8: Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.73
- Horse to follow: Arctic Glamour (2nd)
Although Schwarz was an impressive winner of the Group 2 Missile Stakes, Arctic Glamour from the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou stable produced a slashing finish to run second. This daughter of Frosted recorded her equal-best finish first-up since her last win in Listed grade back in October. This four-year-old mare smashed through the line and recorded the fastest last 600m section (33.59s) of the race and a sizzling 400m-200m sectional (10.93s).
When to bet: With such a strong first-up performance under her belt, Arctic Glamour has built a good base for her to rise in distance next start. The stable could target a race like the Group 2 Tramway Stakes over 1400m on September 7.
Race 9: Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) | Time: 1:50.55
- Horse to follow: Manzoice (2nd)
The 2023 VRC Derby winner, Manzoice, returned from a short break in the Premier’s Cup Prelude with a strong performance over the 1800m journey. The Chris Waller-trained gelding was given a near-perfect ride from Nash Rawiller, settling midfield before getting out to the middle of the track in the home straight. Even though he was slightly inconvenienced by Aramco, who was wobbling around in front of him, Manzoice ran through the line as strongly as any of his rivals.
When to bet: Manzoice appears as though he is ready to win his next start over 2000m. Waller could choose to send him to the Group 3 Premier’s Cup on August 24, but he may give him a longer break with a big spring preparation ahead.
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