 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 The Everest and Caulfield Cup (S1) (Brett Davis)
S1-1 The Everest
NATURE STRIP lines up for his fourth attempt at Australia’s richest sprint race after winning the coveted title last year. Since that memorable victory he’s pocketed another three G1 races including the VRC Classic at Flemington, T J Smith Stakes at Randwick in April, plus the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in England, before returning back to Australia to win the G2 The Shorts first up over the 1,100m. The world’s best sprinter is showing no signs of slowing down and the 8YO champion is undeniably installed as the pre-race favourite. With a solid preparation a tenth G1 victory and back to back Everest title’s appears imminent. The wide barrier I don’t see as a deterrent, he can sit outside EDUARDO, who’s drawn underneath and jointly they’ll carve across toward the rail.
MASKED CRUSADER didn’t get warm in the G2 The Shorts first up over 1,100m but was a noted improver in the G2 Premiere Stakes a race he won last year. He went on to suffer a narrow defeat behind NATURE STRIP in The Everest following that performance, highlighting his exceptional talent. With just a single G1 victory to his name, and a back markers profile, everything must go right at this level to win but he arrives in great shape and shall peak on the day.
LOST AND RUNNING took out the G2 Premiere Stakes in fine fashion at his latest start and hoisted his name in to The Everest contention. The lightly raced 6YO is yet to win at G1 level but has already defeated some of his fellow competitors. He’s undefeated on a heavy track and generally enjoys racing handy and stalking the speed. He arrives to his greatest challenge in terrific form and many good judges think he’ll win, if the favourite doesn’t rock up.
JACQUINOT is the 3YO emerging star who’s caught the eye following his win in the G3 H.D.F McNeil Stakes at Caulfield before finishing like a rocket to win the G1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill over 1,400m. The drop back in distance to 1,200m against seasoned established sprinters won’t be an easy mountain to scale, but with the prize money that’s on offer it’s worth a crack. It’ll be intriguing to see where he finishes, and how he pulls up, because as a star colt there are other options going forward.
PRIVATE EYE is a fascinating inclusion after demolishing a good field down the straight at Flemington in the G2 Gilgai Stakes over 1,200m. This is a completely different contest but his record at Randwick is strong and he’s a proven G1 performer. With a brilliant return this campaign, an outstanding record at 1,200m plus rain affected tracks, he can be considered a rougher contender.
SELECTIONS: 1. NATURE STRIP, 4. MASKED CRUSADER, 3. LOST AND RUNNING, 11. JACQUINOT & 6. PRIVATE EYE
S1-2 Caulfield Cup
GOLD TRIP has been in Australia for some time after arriving from France as a high grade progressive stayer. His only career win came in a G2 Prix Greffulhe at Lyon in 2020 but it was followed by a pair of G1 minor placings and a fourth in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2,400m. His three Australian runs have been full of merit but it was his recent closing fifth in the G1 Turnbull Stakes that suggested he’s right on target. The handicap conditions of the G1 Caulfield Cup are slightly against his cause but he has the proven class to overcome the top weight.
SMOKIN' ROMANS is marked the pre-race favourite for this year’s Caulfield Cup following a terrific on speed win in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington over 2,000m. With an excellent record at Caulfield and multiple victories over 2,500m hold no fears for connections. He is progressive and capable of handling all surface conditions.
VOW AND DECLARE hasn’t saluted the judge since his historic win in Australia’s great race the Melbourne Cup. Prior to winning the 2019 G1 Melbourne Cup he finished a brave second behind Japan’s MER DE GLACE in this very race. Since then he hasn’t been the same horse until recently when he displayed signs of his old self at Flemington in a 2,500m handicap. A subsequent luckless run in the G3 The Bart Cummings, again at Flemington, finished fifth with over a length behind, has ignited the hopes of connections and he should be genuinely considered.
BENAUD has taken a different path to the Caulfield Cup than most by attacking the best horses in Australia at weight for age in the recent G1 Might And Power over 2,000m. His performance was admirable finishing 2.45 lengths away from the winner ANAMOE and he’ll only be improved by his debut experience in Melbourne. The Sydney galloper has a big finish and shall appreciate the step up to 2,400m after finishing second in Australian Derby over this distance in April.
NUMERIAN is a former Irish galloper who now calls Australia home and has seemingly found his best form at the right time. He’s trained in Sydney but has been to Melbourne on one occasion and is expected handle the conditions underfoot. His second place in the recent G2 Hill Stakes at Randwick was superb, behind a talented horse in CASCADIAN, and he gives every indication that he’ll run a strong 2,400m.
SELECTIONS: 1. GOLD TRIP, 17. SMOKIN’ ROMANS, 7. VOW AND DECLARE, 10. BENAUD & 5. NUMERIAN
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