 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 Makybe Diva Stakes Day (S1) (Brett Davis)
S1-1 Let's Elope Stakes
RUNNING BY has often produced a strong performance first up and that was the case again this time around. With an excellent record over today’s distance and a solid record second up a prominent finishing position is expected. The wide draw throws some question marks around where she might settle in the run, but with a senior rider jumping back aboard I’d be taking the chance. If she produces something similar to her performance in the G3 Matron Stakes back in March, she can win.
QUINTESSA returned to racing this campaign with a powerful display over the 1,200m to take out the G3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield. It was her first run in nearly four months and the daughter of SHAMUS AWARD certainly reminded everyone of her class and superior turn of foot. Her record second up is almost as good, and she’s previously enjoyed a visit to the open spaces of famous Flemington. A subsequent small handicap penalty may cost her some ground, but it shouldn’t make a huge difference to her output.
SEE YOU IN HEAVEN has been well prepared by trainers Richard & Chantelle Jolly and is almost at her peak for this particular event. In previous campaigns, she displayed a real affiliation for the Flemington track with a success down the straight course on debut over 1,000m. That’s a strong chance for her this time.
ALSEPHINA arrives as the highest rated runner following her runner up finish in the G1 Railway Stakes last November. This high quality Western Australian mare has built up a fantastic record from just her fifteen starts, winning nine in total. It’s her first visit to Melbourne/Flemington and she’s drawn awkwardly out in gate 13 so she’ll need a good ride throughout. A solid preparation of four barrier trials does however have her well prepared, so her presence and class must be noted.
WOLLOMBI was extremely unlucky in the G3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield last start after being held up for a long period down the home straight. Had she got clear at the right time it’s fair to say she would have been somewhere in the finish behind QUINTESSA. The low draw shall make sure she saves ground and she’s a winner over the course and distance, but traffic congestion is once again a potential concern.
SELECTIONS: 10. RUNNING BY, 1. QUINTESSA, 3. SEE YOU IN HEAVEN, 8. ALSEPHINA & 7. WOLLOMBI
1ST DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-1: Multiple – 10. RUNNING BY & 1. QUINTESSA
S1-2: Multiple – 8. VIA SISTINA & 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE
TREBLE SELECTIONS (27 unit bets):
S1-1: Multiple – 10. RUNNING BY, 1. QUINTESSA & 3. SEE YOU IN HEAVEN
S1-2: Multiple – 8. VIA SISTINA, 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE & 6. PRIDE OF JENNI
S1-3: Multiple – 9. RIGHT TO PARTY, 12. SANS DOUTE & 11. STRETAN ANGEL
S1-2 Makybe Diva Stakes
VIA SISTINA arrives in Melbourne for her Flemington debut following an exciting victory in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick. The former European trained mare has blossomed following her first Australian winter spell and further improvement is no doubt expected. That’s a scary proposition for all opposing candidates because the spacious track at Flemington shall only aid her finishing power and strength. She’s marked a marginal favourite and it’s difficult to envisage her out of the finish.
MR BRIGHTSIDE is looking at back-to-back victories in this coveted G1 event after blasting past the opposition through the final 100m last year. He then went on to win two more G1 races during the remainder of the campaign before a cosy winter rest was enjoyed. His first up second in the G1 Memsie Stakes was brave and admirable whilst showcasing his incredible depth. He’s a must include in whatever races he contests despite the opposition.
PRIDE OF JENNI could soon be named Australia Horse of The Year for season 2023/2024 following her world class win in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where she led the field at one stage by a staggering thirty length margin. However, her return first up in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield was far from jaw dropping as she was quickly overhauled in the home straight. She’ll be better for the run and is obviously highly respected, but she’ll have to find plenty to turn that around.
ANTINO has been threatening to strike a win at the highest level for some time now and it’s likely to unfold this campaign. He was given the smallest of breaks during the winter months before resuming in the G1 Memsie Stakes where he unfortunately began slow, settled wide and a long way back. His own sectionals through the final 300m of that particular event were nonetheless particularly strong and suggest he’ll appreciate the rise to a mile.
PINSTRIPED brought up his first G1 win in the Memsie Stakes last start and in the process defeated MR BRIGHTSIDE. Stepping up to a mile and transferring from Caulfield to Flemington changes the dynamics of his prospects but he’s racing fantastical well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a concern because he’ll settle near the back so expect him to run particularly well.
SELECTIONS: 8. VIA SISTINA, 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE, 6. PRIDE OF JENNI, 4. ANTINO & 2. PINSTRIPED
2ND DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):
S1-2: Multiple – 8. VIA SISTINA & 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE
S1-3: Multiple – 9. RIGHT TO PARTY & 12. SANS DOUTE
DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (36 unit bets):
S1-2:
Banker – 8. VIA SISTINA
Selections – 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE, 6. PRIDE OF JENNI, 4. ANTINO & 2. PINSTRIPED
S1-3:
Banker – 9. RIGHT TO PARTY
Selections – 12. SANS DOUTE, 11. STRETAN ANGEL, 4. BUENOS NOCHES & 6. THE INFERNO
S1-3 HKJC World Pool Bobbie Lewis Quality
RIGHT TO PARTY created some exciting moments for her connections at the end of last campaign by winning three consecutive races down the Flemington straight. Her final winning performance in the G3 Aurie’s Star Handicap was both visually impressive and fast on the clock when you consider the cushion in the track. She’s trialled well at Cranbourne in preparation for today’s spring racing return and it’s highly probable she’s still to find her peak.
SANS DOUTE returned with an eye-catching performance in the listed Carlyon Stakes by powering to the line behind subsequent G1 winner MORNINGTON GLORY. With that form line now an outstanding reference it’s difficult to dismiss her chances off this very light weight. The 1200m second up could perhaps be the slightest of concerns regarding her chance to win, but a return to Flemington where she is undefeated from four starts is a stat that must be acknowledged.
STRETAN ANGEL is yet to win first up in her short career of just nine starts but she commands plenty of respect. What she achieved overall as a 3YO filly was superb and it was complemented by a narrow defeat in the G1 The Goodwood at her most previous run. She can sometimes race keen if she can’t find any cover, which has brought her undone in the past, but she has the class on board and can definitely win first up.
BUENOS NOCHES hasn’t raced since April, but he’s trialled up well behind some quality performers on two occasions leading into his return. There are no concerns regarding the class of opposition he faces, or the course and distance, it just revolves around whether he can gain clear running through the sizeable field. He’s drawn the right part of the track and an experienced rider is aboard, so he’s best included amongst the hopes.
THE INFERNO doesn’t win out of turn and always gives away a hefty start but is worth considering at a big price. He’ll likely receive a hot tempo to run at and is drawn out wide which should end up being the right part of the track. He’s trialled with real purpose on two occasions leading in and is a chance of causing a genuine ruff result.
SELECTIONS: 9. RIGHT TO PARTY, 12. SANS DOUTE, 11. STRETAN ANGEL, 4. BUENOS NOCHES & 6. THE INFERNO
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