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 Australian Cup Day (S1) (Brett Davis)

S1-1     Sunlight Classic

ESTRIELLA has returned this campaign a much bigger, stronger well balanced filly and gives every indication she’s headed higher in the ratings. She was superb first up in the G3 Senet Peter Le Grand Stakes at Caulfield where she settled back in the field before pouncing on her opponents to win. Displaying her adaptability, she then led throughout to score in the Inglis Sprint over 1,200m here at Flemington. Drawn wide and returning to the 1,100m at Flemington today has her extremely difficult to fault and defeat.

STRETAN ANGEL is highly powerful filly with the G2 Danehill Stakes over the same course and distance already to her name. She hasn’t raced since November last year and hasn’t been seen at the trials but that’s a reasonably common occurrence surrounding this stable. She may need a run and there are other races she’s being aimed at but she could easily ping with freshness first up and get the job done.

I AM UNSTOPPABLE arguably appeared a fraction disappointing first up but it was against superior opposition over a 1,000m in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning. He’ll be much better for the run, after being beaten only 4.35 lengths behind the amazing IMPERATRIZ, and the easier opponents this afternoon are key. The low draw isn’t ideal down the famous Flemington straight but he’s clearly the highest rated runner in the race.

HEDGED was sent out the 2.7 favourite in his return from a 5 months spell and he didn’t let the punters down. It was an excellent all the way performance under a soft ride from Jamie Kah and it’s being well spruced that only better is to come. Celine Gaudray now takes over the ride with Jamie Kah riding in Sydney and he’s ideally draw near the outside section of the straight track.

SALTAIRE has shown a liking for the Flemington straight and she’s proven in the past she can cope at this level. Her second place in the G3 Red Roses Stakes in November last year was enormous in defeat after giving away a big start. The wide draw today should end up in her favour and with two encouraging barrier trials at Randwick under her belt, she’s ready to go to the races and perform.

SELECTIONS: 13. ESTRIELLA, 3. STRETAN ANGEL, 2. I AM UNSTOPPABLE, 6. HEDGED & 15. SALTAIRE

DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-1: Multiple – 13. ESTRIELLA & 3. STRETAN ANGEL
S1-2: Multiple – 7. PRIDE OF JENNI & 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE

S1-2     Australian Cup

PRIDE OF JENNI has caught the attention of the entire Australian racing industry over the past six months with her brutal front running power. The 6YO mare has been beaten only once in her four previous starts and in the process racked up a pair of G1 wins and the coveted All-Star Mile. Her stamina shall again be under scrutiny as she steps out in distance to the 2,000m for just the second time, but the way she’s dominated her opponents recently the extra distance mightn’t matter.

MR BRIGHTSIDE is in line for an Australian horse of the year title with four G1 wins to his credit this season, and a win today would all but seal the deal. Incredibly, the 2,000m is a distance he’s yet to win over from three attempts however he did go within a whisker of defeating ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the 2023 G1 Cox Plate. Flemington is also a track where his win to run strike rate is lower than average so perhaps he may be under the odds, but, he is yet to finish any further back than second in his last twelve starts.

CASCADIAN is a 9YO these days but the multiple G1 winning veteran shouldn’t be underestimated after a fast finishing third in the All-Star Mile. The Australian Cup winner from last year has enjoyed another faultless and fantastic preparation and is right on target to defend his crown. He won the 2023 edition of the G1 Australian Cup third up but this year the old timers been given one extra run. He looked terrific running into third behind PRIDE OF JENNI most recently and the rise to 2,000m is his perfect range.

ATISHU began her career in New Zealand before transferring to the stable of Chris Waller in Australia from Stephen Marsh. Since then, the daughter of SAVABEEL has racked up many wins including multiple G2 and G1 victories. Her affiliation with Flemington is undeniable and she is currently undefeated over this course and trip. In all likelihood she’ll need to produce a career best performance if she’s to win but her lead up efforts suggest she can.

LEGARTO should be cheery ripe for her return to Australian racing following four runs back from her Christmas break. She’s only been to Flemington once previously and that ended up a win in the 2023 G1 Australian Guineas.

SELECTIONS: 7. PRIDE OF JENNI, 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE, 2. CASCADIAN, 8. ATISHU & 9. LEGARTO

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