G'day Folks,

Really interesting thread this one and I thought I would add my two bob's worth in relation to Samantha Miss.

Having been in a fortunate position to get up close to this filly from her two year old days to now, I can tell you that you do not have to worry about her being out-muscled in this race. She is one vicious biatche!

The key to her success in this race will be the pace of the race, she cannot win if the pressure goes on at the 1400, she is just a bit too brilliant (al la Lohnro) to go much more than 250-350m at real warp speed.

Now the horses I would normally expect to start this pressure would be Theseo and Maldivian. But given Maldivian's recent performances, I reckon Rodd will be told to hold him up until the last third of the final turn (300m out). If that happens this will be a slower than normal Cox Plate and Samantha Miss should put this lot to the sword in the straight.


Cheers,
Luckyboy

__________________
Form is Temporary, Class is Permanent.

Testa's had plenty of rest lately so he seems to be nice and clear eyed about this one. Regardless of the shallow depth of talent in this race, it's still the toughest race in Australia. What needs to be looked at in this race is the field taking off for home at the 700m [not the usual 400m.] with the last 150m uphill to the post! So any considerations should start at which horses are tough enough and 3yr. old fillies are not unless they have proven something beforehand. I'll disagree with Testa here by ruling out Zipping for a win as he's become a professional place getter and money vacuum cleaner! Master O'Reilly will probably be conceding too much ground. Mal. will be the one to run down back on a track he loves and the blinkers should help too. Alamosa gets the perfect run though and should have the petrol in the tank at the 700m.

Trying to pin the tail on the Donkey, my selections are: Alamosa, Maldevian, Zipping, Princess Coup and Zarita.

Stand-out place bet: Zipping!