 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 WATC Derby (S2) (Brett Davis)
S2-1 WATC Derby
BUCKETS RIDGE did a huge job last time out to bounce back to form and win the Listed Melvista Stakes, the main lead up race to this. From a wide draw, he had to cover ground in the early stages before making a mid-race move to improve his position but was still able to sprint away from his rivals to win comprehensively. The step up in distance to 2,400m will be in his favour, he’s drawn better this time around in a middle stall and has the ‘Wizard of the West’, William Pike aboard for the prominent Grant & Alana Williams stable.
OWN THE QUEEN has done very little wrong in her career, having only been beaten once, while she’s won her last five starts in succession. Her latest win came over this course in distance in the G3 W.A. Oaks against her own gender, where she was the short priced favourite and gave all of her rivals a start and a beating. Troy Turner sticks with her and she’s fared reasonably at the barrier draw in gate eleven. This will be tougher for her against the colts and geldings, but we don’t know where her ceiling is yet and if she can raise the bar once more, there’s no reason why she can’t win this.
A LOT OF GOOD MEN is a consistent performer who ran well to finish second behind BUCKETS RIDGE in the Listed Melvista Stakes over 2,200m last time. I liked the way that he got to the line on that occasion, so there are no stamina concerns for him, while drawing barrier four enables his rider Jarrad Noske to give him every chance in the run. Expect him to put in a competitive showing once again.
ALASKAN is another honest campaigner who also comes through the Listed Melvista Stakes over 2,200m, where he finished fourth. It’s hard to see him turning the tables on BUCKETS RIDGE based on that performance as I thought he enjoyed the run of the race, but he’s drawn well once again and the addition of the cheekpieces could bring out some improvement from him. He’s one to consider as a value proposition and in exotic bet types.
FLASH OF DALLAS has only been to the races on three occasions and is yet to win but she can be considered a chance. She stepped up from a fourth placing in a 1,600m maiden at Belmont, to the G3 W.A. Oaks at 2,400m finishing a credible third. Rising in class and significantly in distance successfully is an extremely encouraging sign, and quite difficult to achieve, so the daughter of proven staying sire TAVISTOCK should be respected.
SELECTIONS: 5. BUCKETS RIDGE, 14. OWN THE QUEEN, 2. A LOT OF GOOD MEN, 6. ALASKAN & 16. FLASH OF DALLAS
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