 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 Chipping Norton Stakes Day (S1) (Brett Davis)
S1-1 Surround Stakes
REVOLUTIONARY MISS is the runner at odds worth entertaining here following a luckless final 300m in the G2 Light Fingers Stakes behind IN SECRET. The Peter & Paul Snowden trained filly was given a solid preparation with three barrier trials prior to her return, and in response produced the quickest final 600m during the aforementioned race. She’s was a high quality 2YO with an abundance of scope and with a similar effort today can win.
IN SECRET is the filly to beat following her terrific first up victory in the G2 Light Fingers Stakes over 1,200m. The rise to 1,400m shouldn’t be a concern, judged on her second placing behind JACQUINOT in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes last campaign. She remains on the up, as do a number of her opponents, but with an undefeated record second up she’s hard to defeat.
ZOUGOTCHA arrives first up to this G1 contest following her over powering win in the G1 Flight Stakes on a heavy track in October last year. With two barrier trials completed in professional fashion she arrives fit and ready to perform against the cream of the crop. She’s already proven she can match with her generation, but the firm track anticipated maybe a questionable task.
SUNSHINE IN PARIS was given a perfect ride by Ryan Maloney at her first group race attempt and she’s likely to enjoy the same situation today. The increase to 1,400m is the unknown factor but no indications are present, or even suggest she’ll struggle. Expect her in the first half from the favourable draw with this stable knowing how to produce them on a big day.
CINDERELLA DAYS attempted to make all in the G2 Light Fingers Stakes before being overhauled through the final 100m. It appears as though the rise in trip shall set her a task if she fails to settle. Conversely with a softer time in front, because of the step up in trip, she perhaps kicks on even stronger and goes around underrated.
SELECTIONS: 7. REVOLUTIONARY MISS, 1. IN SECRET, 3. ZOUGOTCHA, 8. SUNSHINE IN PARIS & 9. CINDERELLA DAYS
S1-2 Chipping Norton Stakes
ANAMOE is now the undeniable star of Australian racing and is expected to start odds on favourite for the day’s G1 time honoured event. PHAR LAP, TULLOCH and WINX, all legends of the Australian Turf, were successful in their attempt in winning this prestigious event, with the later securing four incredible consecutive victories.
ANAMOE did all he had to do upon return in the G2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick, and by all reports is ready to get down to business once again. In his final campaign of racing, before stud duties commence, an eighth G1 victory is his for the taking after the barrier draw went to plan.
FANGIRL found the line with plenty of purpose in the G2 Apollo Stakes and in the process recording the quickest last 600m of the race. She hasn’t won for almost a year but went close on numerous occasions against some of the best going around. She’s still on the up with this preparation likely to be her best, with that in mind she’s a serious winning contender.
MO’UNGA is high class individual and twice G1 winner that shouldn’t be underestimated on his day. He’s known for his hard core finishing power, and overall tenacity, but can often find a flat spot somewhere in between. Hugh Bowman knows him well and has flown in for the ride which shall count for plenty running down the stretch. ANAMOE generally has his measure, however the last time they meet in the G1 VRC Champions Stakes, that wasn’t the case.
HINGED only found ANAMOE the stronger in the G2 Apollo Stakes first up and she’ll be looking to lead and dictate. She’s unlikely to fend of those challengers with a superior turn of foot, but if left alone to long can make things tough. Her second up record is simply outstanding which is why she commands respect.
MONTEFILIA resumes following a below average performance in last year’s G1 Melbourne Cup. She’s obviously going to want further, with more suitable races to come, but high quality stayers are capable of firing first up. With an easy time expect during the first half she could be worth including, in case she explodes on to the scene via freshness.
SELECTIONS: 1. ANAMOE, 11. FANGIRL, 2. MO’UNGA, 12. HINGED & 10. MONTEFILIA
S1-3 Liverpool City Cup
QUANTICO bounced back to his brilliant best in the G3 Southern Cross Stakes and is hard to beat. He’s tactical versatile and could even take up the lead, plus capable of burning the candle at both ends. Injury interruptions have stifled his short career however there were no signs of any ailments when winning first up.
PROFONDO is bred to be a star but didn’t quite measure up at the top level last campaign. He previously secured a G1 victory but connections shall be hoping he can recapture form quickly following a long spell. A barrier trial at Warwick Farm, under Chad Schofield, painted him in good light and that’s enough to include him.
THINK ABOUT IT has only tasted defeat on one occasion from six race starts and is highlighted the intriguing runner of the day. The son of SO YOU THINK has built a formidable record with former Hong Kong jockey Sam Clipperton and they’ve drawn ideally nearer the rail. It’s a steep rise in grade going to G3 company but conditions are in his favour to take the step.
GRAVINA found trouble over the final stages first up and should be respected on overall form. With James McDonald to ride in the Godolphin dark blue every opportunity to win shall be thoroughly explored. With an excellent record at the track and improvement still to come, he’s a chance.
SIBAAQ shall be looking for further but is capable of running well first up from a break. The former English galloper has settled in well and there’ll be races for him to win this time in. They’ll probably be a bit sharp for him first up today but he always run well when fresh.
SELECTIONS: 5. QUANTICO, 1. PROFONDO, 10. THINK ABOUT IT, 7. GRAVINA & 6. SIBAAQ
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