3 minute read

Love Conquers All showed a nice return to form

SR 4: (2) LOVE CONQUERS ALL - The Group One class of this imposing stallion came to the fore when he resumed to win The Shorts over 1200m at Rosehill against a similar field and while he rises 2.5kg under the WFA conditions of the Premiere Stakes he can only improve with that win behind him. Surely ranks as one of the best Randwick sprinters of recent times with a super record of five wins from six starts on the track and his wet track stats are just as impressive. The rails draw gives him the sweet run and no jockey rides him better than Jim Cassidy.

SR 5: (1) MY KINGDOM OF FIFE - Obviously the odds will be skinny but this high class import is a standout against average opposition under the weight-for-age conditions of the Craven Plate. His outstanding Group One form in the autumn in his first local preparation stamped him as one of the best imports to land in Australia in recent times and looks well set up for a big spring after his close first-up second in the Warwick Stakes. It may be a month since he resumed but that has been countered by a pleasing barrier trial second 10 days ago and there really should be no qualms about him coping with 2000m second up as he won the G1 Queen Elizabeth over this same course and distance in heavy going off a similar prep in the autumn.

SR 7: (9) FORETELLER - Yet another highly talented import in the Chris Waller stable with an excellent profile for an Epsom Handicap. This race has been his target since he won over the Randwick mile in May under 58.5kg followed up by impressive Rosehill wins in July and August over 1500m and 1800m under big weights. Not suited last start by the sharp drop back in distance to 1300m at Rosehill but his strong finish was a stand-out trial for the Epsom. He is favourably weighted with 52.5kg and has to be a big show with a noted big race jockey and impressive course, distance and wet track stats.

ONES TO AVOID

SR 3: (5) STARTREUSSE - The first up performance by him as an odds on favourite against easier opposition left a lot to be desired. He has since won a trial and he may be ridden differently but will need to lift at level weights.

SR 7: (2) SACRED CHOICE - Doncaster winner is struggling to get back to that form. While she may get favourable track conditions in the Epsom there are far too many historical hurdles for her to overcome to be the first mare to complete the big Randwick mile double under a record weight.

MR 3: (5) BLACK AND BENT - Not emotion in tipping the champion jumper here but simple reality that he loves it at Flemington and with the prospect of some give in the ground, it will only benefit him. There are a lot of out of form stayers in this and take care with assessing the Naturalism run. He was out the back most of the way in a race where the winner sat near the speed. The quinella in that are dominating Cups markets. Last time B&B raced here was in the Banjo Paterson Final and he won that only third up. Much fitter now he can win this. (Also entered for the Metrop where he's an each way hope too).

MR 8: (14) VATUVEI - Topical tip of the weekend but much more than that as we get to the staying trips. He's by Reset (Rebel Raider) out of the mum of Rena's Lady who won an AJC Oaks. Had little luck at Seymour and only got out late, flashing home over the 1300m. Moody won this last year with a similarly inexperienced horse and this boys aim might be the Derby in the end. Could even be worth a little speck pre post in case he runs the race we think.

ONES TO AVOID

MR 5: (5) CELEBRITY GIRL - Don't like the way she ran off the track last start. The mile will be another test and she meets the odd rival that day that could have beaten her home without the interference. May start the favourite here and with others looking more likely at this trip, she's worth a risk.

BR 6: (8) IL CARDINALE - Usually goes best on affected ground so to finish so close second up on a Good 3 was a very good indication he is in the right form. He's needed further and gets that here but critically draws a lovely soft to race behind the speed. He looks very well placed in this No Metro Wins Hcp and Jim Byrne should give him the perfect run.

BR 8: (6) FALINO - Very good 4yo who likes to race on pace where possible. Was successful in doing that first prep but last time, in much tougher races, the only time he got near the speed was in the BTC Classic where he won by a nose against some nice 3yos. With the light weight and having had a hit out during the week at the trials, he looks ready to roll first up.

ONES TO AVOID

BR 1: (1) VENTURE ON - Unbeaten after two wins at Sunshine Coast, he has to come to town lumping 58kg in a metro field. Given that he's gotten back both runs and from the outside gate, he will have to circle the field you'd think and for that reason he might be worth a risk.

MORPHETTVILLE (Sunday) - tips by Jason Hickson

AR 1: (3) MADABA FLYER - Lightly raced galloper in good form. Was a 2000m Mornington winner two back then game in defeat when runner-up at 2400m last time. Entered for Mornington on Saturday but very well placed here with just 51kg on the firmer track. Take running down.

AR 4: (1) LALLA ROOKH - Thought the trip would be too short for this mare last time but she was still able to win. Fitter again and suited by the longer journey now. Up in weight but will roll forward and take running down again.

ONES TO AVOID

AR 5: (5) ABOUT ME - Likely to be well fancied on recent trials but has never won fresh, is awkwardly drawn and carried a fair bit of weight. Yet to win here in nine runs either.