Higgins Gold – Well beaten in this race last year but is racing currently in the best form of his career. Ran on last start over 2400m to be beaten 0.75 length by Celtus. Meets Celtus 1.5 kg better in this race. More mature stayer now and should acquit himself well. 5/1 in current fixed odds betting.


Celtus – Perth’s stayer of the moment, winning 5 of last 6. Stepped up to 2400m for the first time last start, showing his fighting qualities to stave off all challengers. Should get a good sit throughout. Looks the one to beat, although at 6/4 in current fixed odds betting is well under true odds.


Conspirator – not won beyond 2200m but has been placed over 2400m. Will be ridden by Paul Harvey, so should be given every chance. EW chance at 14/1 in current fixed odds betting.


Free At Last – honest performer who has won 4 out of last 6 starts. Stepped up to 2400m for the first time last start, running on to be beaten 1.75 length behind Celtus. Meets Celtus 2.5kg worse in this race. At 5/1 in current fixed odds betting, under true odds.


True Steel – a repeat of last start effort (over 2000m) would put this fellow right in the firing line. Can he do it over 3200m? By JEUNE and did lead all the way to take out the Winter Cup (2400m) back in July. Currently 15/2 fixed odds.



Shoeless – On the comeback trail since running 3rd in the 2002 Cup beaten 1.5 lengths. Although unplaced this preparation, has shown glimpses of old form. Set for this race and has done the prep work. EW chance at 16/1 in current fixed odds betting.


King Canute – Ran on strongly to finish a close 4th in this year’s Derby over 2400m. Running on well last start when beaten 4.5 lengths by Celtus over 2400m. Meets Celtus 0.5kg better. Not the roughest but seems under the odds at the current price offered at 7/1.


Glitzy Show –Has performed well (showing good staying signs), since switching to middle distance racing back in September. If you can forgive her last run, at 25/1 a good EW chance.


Mercedario – Hasn’t won past 2200m, but has been placed over 2400m. Battled on fairly last few starts and not badly treated at the weights. Some hope at 20/1.



Alibi Bay – well beaten in the 2002 Cup and recent form well below best. Perhaps a place chance on best form. 50/1 in current market.



Superior Star – Winner of this year’s WA Oaks over 2400m. Last start fought on well when beaten 3 lengths by Celtus over 2400m. Meets Celtus 2.5kg worse in this race. Some chance but under the odds at the current price on offer at 13/1.


Caribbean Royale – well beaten only start over 2400m although has run some nice races over shorter journeys. Battled on well behind Main Stage over 2200m on Saturday. Is a doubt at the trip and looks under the odds at the current price on offer of 18/1.


Indigo King – Has won and been placed over 2400m. Well beaten by Celtus over 2400m two starts back. Showed pace but weakened over 2200m on Saturday. Only a rough chance. Currently showing 40/1.


Personal Drum – currently racing well below best. Has a habit of bobbing up at long odds. Does lack class but may stay the 3200m better than a lot of others. A little EW won’t hurt the bank – currently showing 100/1.


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-12-30 17:41 ]