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 Newmarket Handicap Day (S2) (Brett Davis)

 

S2-1     All-Star Mile

ANOTHER WIL has the world at his feet following a determined win over MR BRIGHTSIDE first up in the G1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield over 1400m. It was like a changing of the guard as he wore down one of Australia’s great champions to win under the vigour of champion female rider Jamie Melham. The pair again do battle here over the 1600m and are alongside other numerous and extremely talented individuals. However, the inside draw and familiar surroundings appear in his favour.

 

MR BRIGHTSIDE, although defeated first up by ANOTHER WIL, was absolutely brilliant in the G1 C.F. Orr Stakes over 1400m before atoning for that defeat in the G1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield. You’ll be forced to take shortish odds about one of Australia’s great champions, but it’ll be worth the wait, and watch, as he attempts to land G1 win number ten. The rise to 1600m is no concern as he’s won twelve of twenty starts over this trip, however, there are opponents competing who got close to him last start on the line.

TOM KITTEN was super competitive at the highest level during the Sydney spring and has always possessed something special. He rocked up to the G1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield first up, and went down narrowly, but should’ve won. His previous efforts at Flemington haven’t been amongst his best, which is of some concern, but if you’re prepared to overlook that record then there is no hesitation surrounding the high level of force displayed upon return.

 

ATISHU finished second behind VIA SISTINA in the G1 VRC Champions Stakes the last time she raced at Flemington which is world class form and worthy of note. Her first up performance recently in the G2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick was just a run, but she’ll be better for the hit out going into today. She has the least weight to carry and a more than respectable record over the 1600m, so it’s important she’s given the respect she’s earned.

 

LIGHT INFANTRY MAN is a former French galloper that we haven’t seen the best of in Australia yet despite the fact he’s already won a G1 event. He’s likely to be taken back through the initial stages, because he’s still looking for extra ground, but it’s again expected he’ll find the line with power. Whether he’s good enough to compete for the prize at this point remains the doubtful factor, but he’ll be definitely winning soon over further ground.

 

SELECTIONS: 4. ANOTHER WIL, 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE, 2. TOM KITTEN, 7. ATISHU & 3. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN

 

1ST DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):

S2-1	Multiple
	4. ANOTHER WIL & 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE
S2-2	Multiple
	1. TREASURETHE MOMENT & 6. CILACAP

 

TREBLE SELECTIONS (27 unit bets):

S2-1	Multiple
	4. ANOTHER WIL, 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE & 2. TOM KITTEN
S2-2	Multiple
	1. TREASURETHE MOMENT, 6. CILACAP & 3. CAPTURED BY LOVE
S2-3	Multiple
	5. JOLIESTAR, 6. REY MAGNERIO & 7. GROWING EMPIRE

 

S2-2     TAB & World Pool Kewney Stakes

TREASURETHE MOMENT won the G1 VRC Oaks in a dominant display at the end of her last campaign and in the process establish herself as a top liner. She returned in a blaze of glory to win the G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield recently and in the home stretch gave nothing else a chance. She’s the outstanding 3YO filly in Melbourne at present so it’ll take a monumental effort by another opponent to defeat her.

 

CILACAP returned to racing with an excellent win in the Listed Desirable Stakes here at Flemington and took her career tally to three wins from just four starts. She’s possessed with an exciting turn of foot and is far from the finish product so including her would be a wise decision. The rise in class is however the ultimate testing factor but I’m expecting her to handle the challenge well.

 

CAPTURED BY LOVE can’t be penned off the back of her first Australian run where she raced forward before tiring out. The Mark Walker trained filly won the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas last campaign over this exact distance with a big dazzling finish from down back. She’s hardly run a poor race at a high level throughout her career, so I’d be mindful of giving her the benefit of doubt.

 

TOO DARN LIZZIE is a natural front running type who kept on finding to the line first up before eventually being overhauled by the class of TREASURETHE MOMENT. With a low draw to exit from she’s the expectant leader and could potentially get her own way out in front. She’ll have the hard finishers attacking her down the home straight, but she has plenty of fight and adores a challenge.

 

ANOTHER PROPHET won the G1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in November 2024 before enjoying a much-entitled spell. She returned with a satisfactory effort at Sandown first up before a tiring and disappointing performance, underweight, was observed at her next run. It’s difficult to recommend her off the back of that latest result, but she is entitled to some leeway.

 

SELECTIONS: 1. TREASURETHE MOMENT, 6. CILACAP, 3. CAPTURED BY LOVE, 8. TOO DARN LIZZIE & 2. ANOTHER PROPHET

 

2ND DOUBLE SELECTIONS (4 unit bets):

S2-2	Multiple
	1. TREASURETHE MOMENT & 6. CILACAP
S2-3	Multiple
	5. JOLIESTAR & 6. REY MAGNERIO

 

DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (36 unit bets):

S2-2	Banker
	1. TREASURETHE MOMENT
	Selections
	6. CILACAP, 3. CAPTURED BY LOVE, 8. TOO DARN LIZZIE & 2. ANOTHER PROPHET
S2-3	Banker
	5. JOLIESTAR
	Selections
	6. REY MAGNERIO, 7. GROWING EMPIRE, 9. STRETAN ANGEL & 3. ARKANSAW KID

 

S2-3     Newmarket Handicap

JOLIESTAR returned with a terrific third in the G2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick. She’s been touted for a while as one of the best sprinting mares in the country and shall receive her opportunity today to prove that’s the case. Her only trip to Flemington saw her finished second as a 3YO over 1400m so she’s officially untried down the famous Flemington straight. Nevertheless, she’s drawn nicely with ace jockey Damian Lane to ride so I expect her to more than make her presence felt.

 

REY MAGNERIO returned to racing with a bang in the G2 Rubiton Stakes after covering ground, whilst racing without cover, for a large portion of the event. His second attempt at G1 level was in the recent G1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield where he fought hard to the line before finishing third to JIMMYSSTAR. Fast forward to now, and he’s perfectly poised to again tackle the ultimate challenge of a G1, and with a strong record down the Flemington 1200m straight he’s expected to run well.

 

GROWING EMPIRE appeared in need of his first up run in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes over the 1000m a fortnight ago but remains undefeated second up. Questions have been raised as to whether he’s returned the same horse but it’s too early to make that conclusion. He’s drawn fairly down low but can offset that by heading towards the middle of the track early with his notable gate speed. It’s a race with multiple winning chances and he’s definitely on the list.

 

STRETAN ANGEL has always given the impression she could win a G1 sprint race and began her campaign the right way. With a courageous second place in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes first up she’s now in the mix to capture a renowned G1 event. She’s well in at the weights, drawn nicely in a middle gate and has a familiar talented rider in Lachlan Neindorf aboard. Her record at 1200m is the only outstanding query but she’s in great condition to take up that challenge.

 

ARKANSAW KID lifted his profile to a new level last campaign and has been freshened up for this particular contest. He’s drawn exceptionally well near the outside rail and has consistently displayed a liking for the Flemington straight. He’s yet to register a G1 win but at the same time hasn’t been disgraced, so I wouldn’t underestimate his presence in this fascinating event.

 

SELECTIONS: 5. JOLIESTAR, 6. REY MAGNERIO, 7. GROWING EMPIRE, 9. STRETAN ANGEL & 3. ARKANSAW KID

 

Disclaimer:

The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.

HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.