Expert - Brett Davis

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 Day (S1) (Brett Davis)

 

S1-1     World Pool Handicap

GARZA BLANCA has plenty in his favour going into the World Pool Handicap and should start favourite in this race. He normally settles worse than midfield but was taken further forward last start before unfortunately being caught wide. With peak fitness now gained and a nice roomy draw he’ll be given every opportunity to run out the 1,400m.

 

RISE OF THE MASSES won the G3 Pago Pago Stakes as a 2YO before his form turned sour for quite a lengthy period of time. It was eighteen months between wins after he got the money recently at Warwick Farm and he’s now looking better. Another strong effort was witnessed recently at the Rosehill barrier trials so I’d be surprised if he didn’t run well.

 

GREBENI ventures to Randwick for the first time after winning three of his past four starts. Plenty went wrong for him in the G3 Winx Guineas in July but he managed to recover and finish third. The wider draw shall make this a challenge first up but his barrier trial leading in suggested he’s forward.

 

HIGHLIGHTS is quite capable of running well in this event at a price. He has an excellent record at this course, plus can find the line with power dropping back in trip. On paper, it appears as though he’ll be wanting further but the new stable has prepared him ideally for this specific race.

 

BODY BOB hasn’t tasted defeat this current campaign notching up four consecutive wins in style. The inform Rachel King has been aboard his past couple and is now familiar with what he’s all about. Together, they’ll attack the big rise in class or distance with confidence and intent and I don’t fancy they’ll be faraway.

 

SELECTIONS: 5. GARZA BLANCA, 2. RISE OF THE MASSES, 4. GREBENI, 11. HIGHLIGHTS & 10. BODY BOB

 

1ST DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-1: Multiple – 5. GARZA BLANCA & 2. RISE OF THE MASSES
S1-2: Multiple – 4. ARCTIC GLAMOUR & 2. ADITI

 

S1-2     Reginald Allen Quality

ARCTIC GLAMOUR made a mess of the opposition in her maiden victory at Rosehill a couple of weeks ago and should be starting favourite. It was a win of raw talent after doing plenty wrong in the run and the rise to 1,400m shall be a big help. Youngsters are prone to making plenty of mistakes but she should be winning again on what’s she’s produced so far.

 

ADITI also won her maiden at Warwick Farm in good fashion before backing it up with another credible effort in her last start, the BM72 Handicap. She’s a jump and run filly with reliable barrier manners and is likely to go fast early, then set up the lead. A nice bunch of young fillies shall be chasing her tail but she’s a chance of going all the way.

 

QUEEN OF DRAGONS has more race experience than most going around and continues developing. She went the long way about it when coursing wide her last start but got the money with a touch of class. She’ll do no work from the inside draw and the race distance is in her favour.

 

JOLIESTAR shall create plenty of interest with the powerful Chris Waller and James McDonald combining. She won her maiden well in June at Warwick Farm before returning to a narrow defeat first up. With a touch of luck she’d remain unbeaten, after unimpeded running cost her that win, so expect her to measure up.

 

KUNDALINI is the highest rated runner in this event and she hasn’t even won a race. That highlights what she achieved in her first preparation as a 2YO and therefore must be entertained. She’ll only be better for the first run back in seven months where ultimately the lack of fitness cost her the race.

 

SELECTIONS: 4. ARCTIC GLAMOUR, 2. ADITI, 6. QUEEN OF DRAGONS, 3. JOLIESTAR & 1. KUNDALINI

 

2ND DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-2: Multiple – 4. ARCTIC GLAMOUR & 2. ADITI
S1-3: Multiple – 3. TOM KITTEN & 8. SNOWMAN

 

S1-3     Gloaming Stakes

TOM KITTEN got to far back in the Listed Dulcify Stakes over 1,600m and was unable to real in GANBARE and PUSHY in the run to the line. He was certainly getting home best of the trio and shall be highly advantaged by the increase in distance to 1,800m. He gives the impression he’s a serious Derby horse in the making, and if that’s the case then this is the next step he must take.

 

SNOWMAN absolutely trotted up with Joao Moreira in the saddle when he led all the way to score last start at Rosehill. Hugh Bowman now takes over the steering and you can be assured the pair shall attempting the repeat win on speed. He’s already proven the 1,800m is no distance concern where as many of the others going around have knot.

 

GANBARE has a strong line of form behind him going into the day’s feature 3YO and you can be assured he’ll be ready. Trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, the 3YO son of well known Japanese sire MAURICE is progressive and tactically gifted with speed and strength. The profile of a race up in class, and in distance, is definitely the query and challenge to overcome, but he’s never been better positioned to attempt it.

 

PUSHY won a BM68 Handicap over 1,600m at Newcastle by a widening margin before heading to Randwick for the Listed Dulcify Stakes. He took the step up to listed company in his stride with a courageous run in defeat. He’ll need to raise the bar higher if he’s to feature in the finish today and the wide draw makes that a difficult task.

 

TANNHAUSER is the horse to defeat according to the handicaps so he’s worthy of some respect. He failed to find the frame first up in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality after settling well back and near the fence. Nevertheless, his final 600m split’s suggest he actually performed quite well so I’d be keeping him rather safe.

 

SELECTIONS: 3. TOM KITTEN, 8. SNOWMAN, 2. GANBARE, 4. PUSHY & 1. TANNHAUSER

 

3RD DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-3: Multiple – 3. TOM KITTEN & 8. SNOWMAN
S1-4: Multiple – 3. FAR TOO EASY & 12. DERRY GROVE

 

1ST DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (36 unit bets):
S1-3:   
Banker – 3. TOM KITTEN
Selections – 8. SNOWMAN, 2. GANBARE, 4. PUSHY & 1. TANNHAUSER
S1-4:   
Banker – 3. FAR TOO EASY
Selections – 12. DERRY GROVE, 4. AKASAWA, 8. MOGO MAGIC & 1. FRONT PAGE

 

S1-4     The Kosciuszko

FAR TOO EASY hasn’t been to the races since July where he went down fighting in the Listed Ramornie Stakes at Grafton after settling near last. He’s well prepared for a first up crack at this extremely valuable race with two strong barrier trials a fortnight apart. With an awesome fresh record, and excellent overall rating, you’d be right to expect him somewhere in the finish. With luck he’ll atone for a narrow but courageous defeat in this race last year.

 

DERRY GROVE is difficult to dismiss on recent wins despite the lack of depth in the races won. He’s shown he can lead and dictate, settle back before kicking hard and most importantly do it whilst carrying weight. With an undefeated record at this track and lighter weight to carry he must be given plenty of respect. He’ll need a lift to feature prominently in the finished but has been prepared accordingly to do so.

 

AKASAWA won a 1,600m races in May where he bolted in as the odds on favourite. He was spelled shortly after in preparation for the big races coming up and kicks off his new campaign here today. The 1,200m on paper certainly appears a fraction sharp, but he’s won two trials leading in and boasts an outstanding record when fresh.

 

MOGO MAGIC arrives at his biggest challenge with a clean sheet of five wins from as many starts. In fact, he’s only been defeated once if you include his seven barrier trials which informs you that he likes to win. He’s and on speed make your own luck conveyance, who’s won at Randwick in the past, but the 1,200m is the untried component which could create concern.

 

FRONT PAGE has changed stables but finds himself back at Randwick to defend his title. Last year’s winner of THE KOSCIUSKO hasn’t been able to win since that monumental day so the jury’s out as to whether he can repeat. He did well in a barrier trial and should have him ready to race following a four month spell and we know he runs well fresh.

 

SELECTIONS: 3. FAR TOO EASY, 12. DERRY GROVE, 4. AKASAWA, 8. MOGO MAGIC & 1. FRONT PAGE

 

4TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-4: Multiple – 3. FAR TOO EASY & 12. DERRY GROVE
S1-5: Multiple – 15. I AM ME & 13. BELLA NIPOTINA

 

S1-5     Sydney Stakes

I AM ME announced herself as a potential top liner last preparation when she accumulated eight wins from fifteen starts. She returned to racing in August, following two effortless trial victories, to merely scorch across the grass for victory in the G2 Missile Stakes. That performance however has been overshadowed by a slightly disappointing finish in the G2 Sheraco Stakes last start. Another short break has since been followed by a faultless 800m barrier trial, which suggests she can bounce straight back.

 

BELLA NIPOTINA has been a solid contributor most of her career with twenty five top three finishes from forty starts. Her recent third placing in the G2 Premiere Stakes perfectly displayed her ability, when she fought out the finished with two horses running in the highly touted and feature The Everest. She’s affective on any ground, well placed at weight for age and therefore should be right amongst it.

 

KING OF SPARTA was terrific down the Flemington straight first up in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality after being held up for clear running at a vital stage. With an outstanding record second up, he’s a realistic option of taking home the major prize. With five of his six wins achieved at the distance of 1,200m he’s extremely difficult to oppose, however, his record at Randwick could read better.

 

ZAPATEO comes out of G2 Premier Stakes behind THINK ABOUT IT which may end up being the outstanding form reference later in the day. The daughter of BRAZEN BEAU has the right credentials third up to take care of business here, and with ZAC PURTON aboard is guaranteed a good run. Ultimately, cushion in the track would’ve enhanced her hopes but she’s too well placed to dismiss.

 

VILANA resumes in a hot contest after a brief freshen up but is made of the right kind of stuff. He’s undefeated at Randwick from three outings and only beaten once following a spell or reasonable break.

 

SELECTIONS: 15. I AM ME, 13. BELLA NIPOTINA, 1. KING OF SPARTA, 14. ZAPATEO & 2. VILANA

 

5TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-5: Multiple – 15. I AM ME & 13. BELLA NIPOTINA
S1-6: Multiple – 7. HAWAII FIVE OH & 3. THINK ABOUT IT

 

2ND DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (36 unit bets):
S1-5:   
Banker – 15. I AM ME
Selections – 13. BELLA NIPOTINA, 1. KING OF SPARTA, 14. ZAPATEO & 2. VILANA
S1-6:   
Banker – 7. HAWAII FIVE OH
Selections – 3. THINK ABOUT IT, 12. CYLINDER, 1. I WISH I WIN & 2. PRIVATE EYE

 

S1-6     The Everest

HAWAII FIVE OH lifted the bar to a new level back in June when finishing third in the G1 Stradbroke handicap at Eagle Farm in Brisbane over 1,400m. Since that outstanding performance owner has mapped out a program to contest The EVEREST over the shorter 1,200m. A brief spell was followed by two sharp barrier trials, which then lead to a first up closing sixth in the G2 The Shorts. However, it was the narrow defeat behind THINK ABOUT IT in the G2 Premiere Stakes that suggests he’s at the peak of his powers, and a genuine winning option.

 

THINK ABOUT IT has only tasted defeat on one occasion from his eleven starts and that was in a BM72 handicap at Warwick Farm in August last year. He proved he was capable at G1 level in May and June by winning twice at Eagle Farm over 1,300m and 1,400m respectively. A brief spell was followed by a fighting win first up in the G2 Premiere Stakes where he fended off all challengers to win. He’s tactically versatile, quite nicely drawn and has previously won at weight for age.

 

CYLINDER is one of two 3yo’s competing in this year’s The EVEREST and the pick of the pair from the good draw. His effort recently in the G1 Golden Rose was superb over the longer trip of 1,400m and he can thrive on the return to 1,200m. The form out of that particular event shall stand up well with the winner MILITARIZE a potential star. The weight pull against the older horses elevates his prospects and he rates as a realistic knockout chance.

 

I WISH I WIN won the Golden Eagle over 1,500m at Rosehill this time last year before enjoying a brief spell leading in to the Australian Autumn. A G1 win came in the T J Smith stakes over this exact track and trip in April where he defeated last year’s The Everest winner GIGA KICK. A brilliant first up third at Caulfield over 1,400m in the G1 Memsie Stakes showed that he hasn’t lost his touch, so if he’s given the tempo required he’ll power over the top at the end.

 

PRIVATE EYE won the G1 Epsom handicap in 2021 when better known as a genuine top class miler. His career has taken a different path over the last twelve months with sprinting now his forte, and at the forefront of his future race programming. After a narrow defeat in The Everest last year behind GIGA KICK he’s been on a mission to go one better this time around. With a superb first up win in the G2 Shorts recently he’s right on track and by all reports flying.

 

SELECTIONS: 7. HAWAII FIVE OH, 3. THINK ABOUT IT, 12. CYLINDER, 1. I WISH I WIN & 2. PRIVATE EYE

 

6TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-6: Multiple – 7. HAWAII FIVE OH & 3. THINK ABOUT IT
S1-7: Multiple – 1. PERICLES & 5. YELLOW BRICK

 

S1-7     Silver Eagle

PERICLES was runner up in the G1 Rosehill Guineas behind LINDERMANN in March which highlights his depth of class. He recently returned to racing with an excellent win first up before backing that up with a fantastic front running display in the G2 Tramway Stakes. The son of STREET BOSS has all the right credentials to get things done and in the process to give Godolphin a memorable day.

 

YELLOW BRICK is yet to miss a spot in the top three placings and adds another dimension to this intriguing race. The Tony & Maddysen Sears’ trained galloper heads to Sydney for his maiden assignment and there’s every chance he runs a big race. With a G3 win already under his belt, and form around subsequent G1 winner REDIENER, he’s a fantastic option if the track remains dry.

 

BENEDETTA has always displayed well above average ability and she’ll now receive her opportunity to show us just what she’s got. With six wins and three thirds from nine career starts she’s yet to do much wrong at home in Melbourne. With a solid piece of work recently undertaken at the Randwick trials, where she finished alongside of PRIVATE EYE, she’s ready to go back to work.

 

RUTHLESS DAME shall be suited by the rise to 1,300m following a luckless performance first up in the G2 Shorts. She generally gives away a start before powering on strong with her customary brilliant turn of speed. As a G1 winner already she’s nicely in at the handicaps and her second up record reads strong. Traffic congestion from the low draw is a concern and often brings her undone.

 

MADAME POMMERY was the winner of the G1 Thousand Guineas over 1,600m at Caulfield this time last year but her form since has become unpredictable. She returned this preparation with a fabulous fast finishing second behind PERICLES, at Rosehill over 1,400m, before a pair of below grade efforts since. She’s a risky conveyance at the best of times but has the required motor to win.

 

SELECTIONS: 1. PERICLES, 5. YELLOW BRICK, 12. BENEDETTA, 3. RUTHLESS DAME & 4. MADAME POMMERY

 

7TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-7: Multiple – 1. PERICLES & 5. YELLOW BRICK
S1-8: Multiple – 2. MR BRIGHTSIDE & 3. ZAAKI

 

TREBLE SELECTIONS (27 unit bets):
S1-7: Multiple – 1. PERICLES, 5. YELLOW BRICK & 12. BENEDETTA
S1-8: Multiple – 2. MR BRIGHTSIDE, 3. ZAAKI & 1. THINK IT OVER
S1-9: Multiple – 10. MORE SECRETS, 13. AUSBRED FLIRT & 6. SOUL CHOICE

 

S1-8     King Charles III Stakes

MR BRIGHTSIDE arrives back in Sydney with five consecutive wins alongside his name and a career high rating of 119. The multiple G1 winner has returned to racing this campaign as a fully furnished machine who appears near on unstoppable in whatever he contests. A little 1,000m barrier trial was undertaken on 2nd October to keep him ticking along and he handled it like a walk in the park. He’s already proven himself in Sydney, and under the specifics of this event, so whoever defeats him wins.

 

ZAAKI was one of the Kings of Australian racing a few seasons back and the ageing four time G1 winner shouldn’t be overlooked or left out. He was a little slow leaving the gates in the most recent starts at Randwick before finding the lead with a 200m to go. He was only run down the final strides and shall be peaking for this assignment. He’s likely to find the lead, or be close, and therefore runs a big race.

 

THINK IT OVER won the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April on a heavy track before enjoying a welcomed winter spell. He requires a couple of runs to get himself up and about initially but was back to near his best in winning the 1,600m race last time. With nine wins at this track, he’ll be in a comfort zone and unrivalled space. He’s yet to meet MR BRIGHTSIDE in what promises to be a mouthwatering display, with the handicaps suggesting the visitor has to find a little if he’s to have his way.

 

FANGIRL has really come of age over the last 12 months and must be considered in any race she contests. The 1,600m maybe slightly against her as the speed during the event can often drop off mid race, making it more difficult to close with overwhelming intent. However, with James McDonald behind the wheel she may well be closer in the run, remembering he’s yet to taste defeat on her from three rides.

 

KOVALICA is still emerging as a genuine G1 competitor but is entitled to his opportunity to stand up and play. The G1 Queensland Derby is renowned for producing top line gallopers and he won this year’s edition with a dominant high class display. Add to that his narrow defeat in the recent G1 Epsom Handicap, over this track and trip, and he’s right on song to join in the finish. The only challenge remaining is to conqueror rivals at weight for age.

 

SELECTIONS: 2. MR BRIGHTSIDE, 3. ZAAKI, 1. THINK IT OVER, 14. FANGIRL & 12. KOVALICA

 

8TH DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-8: Multiple – 2. MR BRIGHTSIDE & 3. ZAAKI
S1-9: Multiple – 10. MORE SECRETS & 13. AUSBRED FLIRT

 

S1-9     Angst Stakes

MORE SECRETS put together some classy performances at the end of her last campaign, in particular her third place in the G1 Queen of the Turf Stakes. A similar performance over this same track and trip has her winning this race today and the draw helps to seal the deal. Her run first up in the G2 Golden Pendant was exactly what connections required so she’s entitled to run favourite.

 

AUSBRED FLIRT arrives following an excellent first up win at Randwick and is worthy of strong consideration. She’s drawn a long way out so a big effort is required, along with a touch of luck, but she’s racing particular well. Craig Williams takes the ride and she’ll be working home hard so be weary of leaving her out of calculations.

 

SOUL CHOICE is emerging as a real talent and lightly raced mare that has plenty more races to win. She was superb first up when racing on speed and kicked away final stages to win. She’ll be better for the run and has drawn ideally in gate one so she’s perfectly placed to tackle the tougher race.

 

FRUMOS returned to race following a brief winter spell with an eye catching effort in a quality BM94 handicap. Joao Moreira took that ride with the feedback obviously glowing because James McDonald has now takes the seat. Her second up record is exceptional and I’d expect a decent run, although she’s yet to record a result on good or firm track.

 

MIRRA VIEW has a solid base of race fitness underneath her belt which many of the opposing opposition don’t. Her most recent third placing in the 1,400m G3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle was honest and rated a career best performance. She’ll need to perform at that level again, or better, if she’s to feature and the low barrier draw create the opportunity.

 

SELECTIONS: 10. MORE SECRETS, 13. AUSBRED FLIRT, 6. SOUL CHOICE, 3. FRUMOS & 7. MIRRA VIEW

 

 

 

 

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