 Expert - Brett Davis | |
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| Brett Davis was introduced to Australian Racing by his father back in the early 1980’s when his family became involved in formulating “Thoroughbred Racing Syndications”. Brett worked from 1995 as a Professional Form Analysts and Race Broadcaster with an array of companies throughout most parts of the Australia Racing industry. He currently resides in Adelaide, his hometown in Australia, where he is Chief Thoroughbred Race Caller and Form Analyst for Tabcorp / SkyChannel / RadioTAB. Brett Davis also spent 2 years with the Singapore Turf Club and 13 Racing Seasons with the Hong Kong Jockey Club between 2006 to 2019 as a leading Form Analyst / Race Caller and was the HKJC Chief Race Caller from 2014, calling the last 5 Hong Kong International (Turf World Championships) race meetings and over 50 G1 races. Brett has immense passion for Australian Racing both personally and professionally. With his diverse knowledge and long standing industry relations he’s a valuable asset to racing and it’s enthusiasts. | |
Expert Column for Caulfield Cup Day (S1) (Brett Davis)
S1-1 Moonga Stakes
WINDSTORM is an emerging talent that’s won 7 of his 10 starts and tackles group company for the first time. His last two victories have been exceptional performances over the course and distance of today’s race and again the wizard William Pike takes the reigns. Trainers Grant & Alana Williams who reside in Western Australia have taken Melbourne racing by storm over the last six weeks and this galloper is partially to blame. With rain predicted and back markers expected to get involved more so later in the day, this race looks ideal.
MORRISSY in the last three months has lifted his profile to new levels as he’s gotten deeper into this campaign. The son of SNITZEL is still an entire so a stakes race win or placing is high on the ownerships to do list. He can race on speed then kick hard when the turn for home which gives him every chance to get the job done.
WILD PLANET produced a fabulous win in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes in Sydney back in September and was very honest in the G1 Epsom Handicap last start. Back in distance and the inside barrier are massive positives today along with the booking of Hugh Bowman. He’s often overlooked and underrated but is certainly a genuine contender.
FIFTY STARS has the biggest engine of all runners contesting this race and I’d expect him to find the line strongly. This year’s G1 Australian Cup winner has bigger races on his agenda this campaign during the spring carnival and this is clearly a stepping stone. However, his second up record is excellent and a wet track shall provide him the opportunity to join in through the final stages.
MORVADA is undefeated over 1,400m at Caulfield and the South Australian front running specialist has recaptured his near best form at a perfect time. He’s yet to win at Group level but has multiple placing on his resume. A dry track would favour his chance as he scoots along on the lead and kicks strongly to the line. A runner at value to include.
SELECTIONS: 9. WINDSTORM, 11. MORRISSY, 4. WILD PLANET, 1. FIFTY STARS & 8. MORVADA
S1-2 Caulfield Cup
With no Japanese horses contesting the G1 Caulfield Cup this year the Europeans headed by ANTHONY VAN DYCK are all set to stand up and be counted. The Aidan O’Brien camp have been extremely comfortable with the progress of their star stallion and even a little bullish with their confidence levels, chatting to the local media. The G1 Derby Stakes winner in 2019 makes his debut in Australia following his defeat of the mighty STRADIVARIUS in the G2 Prix Foy five weeks ago. There have been inconsistencies throughout his career which throws in a small line of doubt, but if he turns up close to his best he’s clearly the one they all have to beat.
VERRY ELLEEGANT is five time G1 winner from Sydney who is unbeaten at Caulfield and unbeaten at 2,400m. She’s a genuine weight-for-age mare who can mix it with the boys anytime and anywhere. Her preparation has been exceptional and is deservedly amongst the selections as one of the likely winners. It’s extremely difficult to find a negative against her as she handles all conditions. Perhaps her only concern maybe the big field and the short home straight but her form and record suggests it won’t be a problem.
TOFFEE TONGUE is a full sister to Hong Kong Horse of the Year and Hong Kong Derby winner in WERTHER and she possesses a big motor and heart like her big brother. She was runner up in the Australian Oaks in April at 2,400m before winning the Schweppes Oaks in South Australia at G1 level. She’s been preparing for this race since a short spell during the winter and recaptured her brilliance in the G1 Turnbull Stakes most recently. She’s a potential rising star and is weighted incredibly well.
AVILIUS is a three time G1 winner and genuine weight-for-age galloper that can cope with the toughest of challenges and situations during a race. He’s go in to today’s feature with the perfect preparation under his belt following a second in the G2 Hill Stakes in Sydney. The barrier draw has made things tricky and he’ll need cover to do his best. It wouldn’t surprise if they travel forward from the jump and look for a prominent spot on speed, from there his class can take him along way.
DALASAN ran a creditable race in the G1 Turnbull Stakes last outing and shall appreciate the 116lbs he’ll be made to carry. He’s a horse that can handle all conditions and keeps finding more and more when placed under pressure. His trainer South Australian legend Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas has won this race in the past and many big races during the Melbourne spring, so he can not be underestimated.
Others with claims are FINCHE, WARNING and CHAPADA.
SELECTIONS: 1. ANTHONY VAN DYCK, 7. VERRY ELLEEGANT, 17. TOFFEE TONGUE, 2. AVILIUS & 14. DALASAN
S1-3 Tristarc Stakes
FELICIA is a real talent on the rise and has only missed a place on one occasion from her ten career starts. She has tactical speed and can dash with power when kicking for home and has shown a liking for most track conditions. The test for her today is the step to 1,400m, if she copes with that well she can easily win and open doors to a bigger career going forward. She has X- Factor and it would be no surprise to see here take this race out in style.
SHE SHAO FLY has been in terrific form and is likely to gain the perfect run in transit from barrier 5. Her overall record suggests a lift is required to hold off the hard finishing opposition but courage and heart shall take her a long way. She can handle all types of ground but is much better place with cushion in the track, which is likely to be the case.
PRETTY BRAZEN had excuses last start at Flemington when she was bottled away on the rail and unable to establish clear running. Her form previous in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes was of the highest level finishing behind dual G1 winners. Her record at Caulfield is hard to fault but she’ll need a solid tempo to run from the home turn. However her overall class can take her a long way to winning.
PERFECT JEWEL is already a five time group winner that’s successfully made the transition from her home in Western Australia to the tracks of Melbourne. She’s ideally more affective over 1,600m or longer but a low draw allows her to settle closer in the run from the jump. She’s as strong as the come in a finish and four starts this campaign have been extremely competitive against strong opponents.
RICH HIPS has a lot to find under the conditions of this race at set weights as she’s a long way out of the handicap. She’s trained by the astute Busuttin and Young partnership and would not be in this event to just make up the numbers. Only lightly raced and obviously talented an upset is not beyond her with a clear run.
SELECTIONS: 4. FELICIA, 6. SHE SHAO FLY, 1. PRETTY BRAZEN, 3. PERFECT JEWEL & 9. RICH HIPS
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