 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 Tancred Stakes Day (S2) (Brett Davis)
S2-1 Tancred Stakes
POST IMPRESSIONIST was sent out the race favourite for his Australian debut and the 5YO son of TEOFILO didn’t let his followers down. He won the G3 N E Manion Cup over 2,400m comfortably at Rosehill with an explosive turn of speed down the final straight. Trainer William Haggas is building a strong reputation in Australia for bringing the right type of horse and it appears as though he’s on the money again. With only 14 starts to his name it seems inevitable that better wins at a higher level are still to come.
ASHRUN was a gallant second in the G3 Geelong Cup last year over 2,400m before running a bold race to finish fourth in the 2023 G1 Melbourne Cup. He returned to racing this campaign with an encouraging fourth at Caulfield over an insufficient distance (2,000m) before being well tried to win the Listed Pakenham Cup over 2,500m. He, along with many others in this coveted G1 contest are preparing for the G1 Sydney Cup in two weeks’ time, but his form and sectional data from his most recent win suggests he’s going terrific.
BUCKAROO finished seventh in the 2023 G1 King Charles lll Stakes at his Australian debut but certainly wasn’t disgraced by the performance. The former Joseph O’Brien trainer runner is now under the care of Chris Waller and his form is definitely on an upward spiral. His most recent third in the 2,000m G1 Ranvet Stakes was the perfect encounter for a race of this caliber, but he must now prove himself over 2,400m.
MORE FELONS is another former European galloper who now resides in Australia and he’s just starting to find his feet after acclimatisation took a toll. His recent first up win in the Listed Parramatta Cup was both exciting and classy as he blasted home powerfully from near the rear. The rise into G1 company shall certainly be a challenge but he’s proven in the past, when he’s feeling well he can perform over longer distances and at a high level.
TOM KITTEN is already a G1 winner and the most difficult runner to assess. He’s a 3YO suited by the weight for age scale but questions are being asked of his commitment to finding the line. His form last campaign was outstanding and he hasn’t been faraway recently in some incredibly deep events. He rises to the 2,400m for the first time and it’s expected he’ll ease back for a quiet comfortable trail. It’s a flip of the coin scenario but you’d be extremely brave leaving him out.
SELECTIONS: 5. POST IMPRESSIONIST, 3. ASHRUN, 1. BUCKAROO, 4. MORE FELONS & 11. TOM KITTEN
DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S2-1: Multiple – 5. POST IMPRESSIONIST & 3. ASHRUN
S2-2: Multiple – 17. ANOTHER WIL & 10. VON HAUKE
S2-2 Doncaster Prelude
ANOTHER WIL shall start a short price favourite for his Sydney debut and it’s easy to understand why. The 4YO son of STREET BOSS has developed quickly into a serious running machine and it’s courtesy of his incredible natural talent and the firmer tracks. Jamie Kah flew up to Sydney on 18th March and together they trialled superbly on the Rosehill surface in preparation for today. With a nice low draw assisting his first attempt at G3 level, he should stalk the speed quietly before putting the race to bed down the lane.
VON HAUKE also heads to Sydney from Melbourne for his Rosehill debut and arrives as the G3 winner of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap. His form last campaign was solid, without being dynamic, but he’s gone to a new level based on his current data. He cut down a very smart conveyance in AMENABLE when winning, who himself enjoyed a very cushy run on speed, and he did it with a crunching turn of power, acceleration and class.
AMOR VICTORIOUS had excuses recently in the G2 Ajax Stakes after over racing profusely when bustling for the lead. His level of form prior was excellent, along with progressive, so he’s definitely a dangerous runner to overlook. Under the handicap conditions of this event he’s one of many up and coming youngsters well placed at the weights. A final spot in the G1 Doncaster Mile is on the cards, should he be in the finish, so expect him to perform well.
COIN TOSS was given a four-month spell over the Australian summer before returning with an all the way win in the Listed National Sprint in Canberra. The former Singapore galloper won the Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic and the Singapore Guineas at Kranji before relocating to Australia and is yet to be fully exposed. He’s tactically versatile, however most wins have come when ridden patiently, so a low draw is seen as positive.
RUSTIC STEEL is the highest rated runner competing following an exhibition style gallop and win in the G3 Newcastle Stakes first up. He’s also proven in the past he can carry big weights whilst being competitive in all different types of quality events. With a couple of exceptionally talented younger horses better off at the weights he’s likely to become vulnerable, but his determination can push him along way.
SELECTIONS: 17. ANOTHER WIL, 10. VON HAUKE, 16. AMOR VICTORIOUS, 12. COIN TOSS & 1. RUSTIC STEEL
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