3 minute read

There is plenty to look forward to this weekend, with Sydney racegoers bearing witness to arguably the best filly and colt in the land.

Plenty of hype and anticipation surrounds the Australian debut of crack colt To The World, with the promising galloper out to continue Japan's dominance in our feature events.

Since 2005, 18 Japanese trained gallopers have taken their place in Group 1 company in Australia.

Four of these have proven successful - Delta Blues (Melbourne Cup - '06), Hana's Goal (All Aged Stakes - '14), Admire Rakti (Caulfield Cup '14) and Real Impact (George Ryder Stakes - '15).

A further four have placed, including three second placings.

Of these 18, the market has often underestimated their chances, with 1.5 expected wins.

To this point they have won more than three times their share, with To The World now the shortest priced Japanese runner ever in Australia.

He boasts a Timeform rating of 128 and if able to put his best foot forward, there is no denying he is a very likely winner on Saturday.

Star filly First Seal was unable to win the Coolmore last start, however her performance held plenty of merit and she appears extremely well placed, back against her own age in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes.

She is the second highest rated filly to contest the Vinery in the last 20 years and if able to hold her form, she holds a three length margin over her rivals.

There is a slight query on whether she will stay the 2000m, however there appears to be little speed engaged and it is unlikely to be a true staying test.

Favourites have won 11 of the past 20 renewals and First Seal appears more than capable of continuing this trend.

Close to even money is currently being bet about her chances, which appears a luxury given her current SP-profile.

When dominant in the Surround Stakes, she started the $1.50 favourite and did SP at $1.60 in the Coolmore Classic.

If priced aggressively we can get her as short as $1.70 and would be very surprised to see her start in the black on Saturday.

On her last start performance she is clearly the best filly in the land and can confirm this status on Saturday.

Leebaz

The lightly raced Leebaz returned in good order last start, when not beaten all that far in the Canterbury Stakes and appears well placed to return to the winner's stall in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude.

Stepping out for just his fourteenth career start, the son of Zabeel has never missed the money over this trip and did finish second in this race last year, behind Weary.

He has won three of four racing second up and although ridden back at his last couple of starts, expect him to lead on Saturday, as there appears little speed engaged.

The in-form Tommy Berry sticks aboard and is currently striking at 20% with the Hawkes' stable and overall the Hawkes' camp strikes at just shy of 20% with gallopers racing second up.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he appears very well placed and is over the odds at his current quote.

Currently installed a 5-2 chance appears more than a fair gamble, as we have him marked closer to a 6-4 chance.

Leebaz is already Group 1 placed and if able to run up to his best form he should prove very hard to beat.

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 6 #1 First Seal @ $2.00

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 3 #2 Leebaz @ $3.50