2014 Chelmsford Stakes Preview

With seven Group races around the country this Saturday, the feature race of the day comes to us from Royal Randwick in Sydney with the running of the 1600m Chelmsford Stakes.

There are nine runners set to compete in the Group 2 race, with the track rated a Slow 6 but if more rain arrives that might be downgraded further.

While Chris Waller trains two-thirds of the field, it’s the Hawkes Racing representative, Entirely Platinum which has been installed as the $3.50 favourite. Entirely Platinum resumed with a strong win three weeks ago over 1400m, but this WFA is a tougher test. Will have to do some work to get across from a wide gate but should be able to get to the front as the clear leader, and if conditions don’t suit the back markers, he might be tough to get past.

The market mover has been Royal Descent who has come into $4.00. Coming off a nice second place in the Warwick Stakes a fortnight ago and with a good second-up record, Royal Descent should be right in the mix here but it has been a lot time between victories for this mare.

Sacred Falls ($5.00) was the favourite in the Warwick Stakes due to the heavy track, and was up on the speed before failing to find enough in the run home to finish fourth place. Sacred Falls is a well-credentialed horse, but will have to find some improvement from that run. You’d have to think that he will be better second-up and will be favoured if there is some rain around.

Others to consider include Criterion ($6.00), a two-time Group 1 winner who has a lot of class, but the run might be a little short, and also Hawkspur ($9.00) who offers some value in the race.

Verdict: Entirely Platinum will lead this up with Royal Decent taking a close sit, and it’s really hard to split the top four in the market, so we’re going to take some value with Hawkspur. Hit the line well in both the Missile Stakes and the Warwick Stakes over unsuitable distances, and with the full mile at Randwick, third-up and on soft ground, all the boxes appear ticked for the horse which romped home in this race last year.

1^st Hawkspur ($9.00 at Sportingbet)
2^nd Royal Descent ($4.20 at Bet365)
3^rd Entirely Platinum ($3.55 at Betfair)

Take note: The above tips are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always bet responsibly. Happy punting!