3 minute read
After proving highly impressive last time in talented filly Grey Cheval appears poised to make a winning return at Belmont on Saturday.
Having saluted at four of her five career starts to date the daughter of Husson Lightning has stamped herself as one of Simon Miller's leading three-year-old's with her only defeat coming behind fellow talented filly Magnifisio prior to a spell.
A proven flier fresh Grey Cheval appears to be well on track to make a winning return after she trialled impressively at Lark Hill in the lead up in very quick time.
While Baleen In Me has to command respect in the same race given her continued progression through the grades, Grey Cheval still appears to be a cut above the rest and can arguably go on to bigger and better races in the future.
On current form she rates well clear of her rivals and although drawn awkwardly she should cross and find the lead comfortably.
Having proven able to sprint quickly of a slow tempo or alternatively travel at a good clip in front she appears bomb proof on Saturday and looks the standout bet on the card currently trading at $2.25 across the board.
While he may have proved somewhat of a disappointment last start in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint, the Grant Williams trained Ranger looks to get conditions to suit when he steps out in the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes.
Proving to race a touch flat last start after flying fresh behind Power Princess in the Group 3 Roma Cup, the step up to the mile appears ideal on the weekend and he has drawn to receive all the favours on the inside.
On ratings he sits well clear of his rivals and although he was beaten convincingly by Kerrific last start it is quite obvious Ranger still has plenty of improvement left to be made out of that performance where as the latter has reached his mark now and unsure whether or not he can keep improving.
The big addition is the reengagement of William Pike after he was unable to ride the six-year-old last start. In seventeen rides aboard the son of Testa Rossa he has ridden him to five wins and six minor placings - a pretty telling statistic given Ranger has only saluted the judge on six occasions.
With 3-1 the best price on offer across the board he appears a great betting prospect as if he is able to reproduce anything near his first up performance then he simply just blows these away.
Not A Single Drop is the horse to beat in the first race however there are valid reasons to suggest he is a risk at his current quote of 6-4.
Making his return to the races off the back of a nine month break the progressive galloper does appear vulnerable first up as he is no doubt at his best over further and could be found short of the mark over 1200m.
A renowned backmarker it is likely he will be giving talented filly Magnifisio a big start in the straight and if she is allowed to dictate freely in front and reel off a quick closing sectional then he simply won't be able to bridge the gap.
Adding to that both Jestpatim and Quokka look to also hold strong winning claims so although I'm not one to discount Not A Single Drop's ability however he does appear a worthy risk at the short odds.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 5 No 6 GREY CHEVAL @ $2.25
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 7 No 3 RANGER @ $4
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 1 No 3 NOT A SINGLE DROP @ $2.50
