More Group One racing in Sydney as a strong entrée to Slipper day next week.
We're headlined by the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) which brings just two fillies through the Surround to tackle the older mares.
Tropical Squall has won both fillies Group Ones this season in Sydney and must have a chance from Kristilli but they are a well below average bunch and typically you need a very good filly to win it. Opposed to that – topweights have a strong recent record with three winners carrying 57kg in the past 10 years and another two with 56kg+.
Zougotcha carries 57kg this year and even with her impost, rates very well off her first-up win. We have her basically returning with a new peak, at least as good as her Flight Stakes win as a three-year-old, and it's clear she's more of a miler than a sprinter, which they tried to get her to be last preparation.
First-up she beat subsequent Canterbury Stakes winner Lady Laguna, giving her 3kg and race fitness and she gets every favour from the draw for McDonald, landing just behind the speed which will be nice and strong. She's a deserving favourite and prices better than 3-1 are sound.
The other race we'll focus our attention on is the penultimate, the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m), often a key Doncaster Mile lead-up.
Two horses make a bit of appeal here, with Democracy Manifest hopefully getting a better scenario here. He was taken back from a wide draw first-up but hit the line well in the fastest last 600m of the race behind Phearson, whom he meets 2.5kg better at the weights.
More important than that is the fact he draws a much better gate which should spark Waller's barrier rules and see him at least a bit more forward than usual. McDonald on is also a good lead, and I expect he'll need to go close to winning this to ensure a Doncaster Mile start.
Second-up last campaign off a similar run, at least ratings wise, he hacked up in the Cameron at Newcastle as his Epsom lead-up and with Waller a very pattern-oriented trainer, expect Democracy Manifest to be ready to rumble here.
The other in the race that must have claims is Detonator Jack who really came of age last campaign in NSW, winning The Gong at Kembla amongst some other good runs. He's had two trials and won the latest over 1200m and certainly isn't hopeless at each-way odds.
bet365 SYDNEY SPECIALS
Bet of the day: Race 8 #1 Zougotcha at $4.00 with bet365*
Also backing: Race 9 #5 Democracy Manifest at $6.50 with bet365*
*Odds correct at 2:15pm, 14/3/24
As usual, bet365 are coming to the party with numerous offers and promotions. For Saturday, their 25% winnings boost token will be on the Group 1 Coolmore Classic in which Zougotcha lines up in.
Also at Rosehill, bet365 have two mega boosts:
James McDonald to ride 2 + winners at Rosehill – $1.80 > $2.30
Rosehill Race 4 – Gatsby's to win – $2.40 > $3.20
(Boost prices available from 10am Saturday– prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)