The spring carnival continues with a big Wednesday of racing seeing the 2015 Blue Sapphire Stakes steal the attention of Australian punters. Once again we have more horse racing betting tips so be sure to read on to find Tim's Tips Blue Sapphire Stakes preview.
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Catanach's Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes 1200m - Listed
Wednesday, October 14 at 4:28pm AEST
Only a small field but there's plenty of quality in this Listed race for the 3 year olds which is worth $210,000 to the winner. Although there's only eight runners there does look to be plenty of speed in the race with the likes of Haptic, Black Vanquish, Keen Array, Raphael's Cat and Von Maestro all having shown a willingness to lead or race right up on speed during their careers so far. I think this race will be won by a horse coming from off the pace and I expect those in the leading division to have a tough time in the final part of the race.
KINGLIKE: Returned with an outstanding win in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes over Raphael's Cat and Ready For Victory which put everyone on notice. Glen Boss certainly didn't shy away from talking up the horse's ability (which you always need to take with a pinch of salt when it's Bossy) and Ready For Victory has since placed in the Caulfield Guineas behind Press Statement. The concern I have for Kinglike is barrier 1 as I think there will be plenty of horses charging for the lead which might result in him getting caught back on the rail and needing a run. He is the horse to beat though and I'm happy to stick with him.
Editor's note: Kinglike was unfortuantely scratched on Wednesday morning.
HAPTIC: The second pick of the Godolphin horses in this race who has returned with two minor placings in his two races this preparation. He has some very respectable form and will certainly appreciate getting back onto a firmer track, however the 1200m might stretch him and he is one of the horses I expect him to try and sit outside the leader which could force him into a speed battle from the awkward alley.
BLACK VANQUISH: Very disappointing first up when he was reported to have a respiratory noise and pulled up with mucus post race. I can forgive him for that performance and look back to what he did last preparation when he strung consecutive wins together in some quality 2YO races. Expect him to use the inside draw to hold a position on speed and I think the $21 being bet is ludicrous. He's a big danger at huge odds and I expect him to run well.
KEEN ARRAY: Very talented colt who probably should be undefeated this preparation. Put everyone on notice with a 7-length maiden win followed by an 8-length win at Pakenham where he ran very good time. Then went to Caulfield a month ago and was backed into odds on before getting caught in a speed battle with Mawahibb, which ultimately set the race up perfectly for Bassett who had the sit on them. Bounced back emphatically with a dominant win over Mawahibb at Moonee Valley and that proved that getting caught in the speed battle at their previous outing cost him the race. Importantly, he took a sit in his win at Moonee Valley and from barrier 5 I expect him to again look for a sit given the speed that will come from those drawn inside him. Can win.
RAPHAEL'S CAT: One of two Gai Waterhouse trained runners in the race. Won impressively two starts ago but it was a very average race and was beaten comfortably by Kinglike last start at Flemington. Off the same weights it's very hard to see him turning the tables and from barrier 7 he will probably try and cross over to sit outside the leader. Not keen.
MOGADOR: A bit of a hype horse from the Godolphin team. Started as the $1.40 favourite on his debut when he was beaten by his stablemate Exosphere who hasn't turned out half bad! Mogador has had just the one start this preparation when he started $1.60 favourite at a midweek Warwick Farm race three weeks ago. He was held up for a large part before finding a split with about 150m to go and he burst through to just get up on the line over Orujo. The win was good and he would have been a moral beat, but Orujo is no superstar and he goes up 3kg. Draws the widest barrier so I think they will ride him dead cold at the back of the field and have one last shot at them. He can win but I just prefer a couple ahead of him.
DARK STEEL: The second Gai Waterhouse trained horse in the race. Won his maiden at Canterbury two starts ago as an odds on favourite where he did it comfortably from the front, and then came to Caulfield last start and endured a torrid run. Was caught 3 deep on the pace in what was a good race and understandably faded to be well-beaten. Obviously a forgive run and he is in with a chance but from the exposed form we've seen he would need to improve to be a winning chance.
VON MAESTRO: Interesting Hayes/Dabernig runner who has is the only filly in the race and has had just the one start so far in her career. She was well backed but well beaten on that occasion - a maiden race at Geelong in May. Was immediately sent for a spell and resumes today in this race, which is a very tough starting point so they must think she goes alright. Drawn well and gets weight off the boys but she's been thrown in the deep end and she'd have to be very good.
Summary
Great race and one which looks to have a bit of pace as I've mentioned. Sticking with KINGLIKE who has the home ground advantage and was very impressive in winning first up. He could prove to be a very good quality colt and with a bit of luck from the draw he is the one to beat. KEEN ARRAY has been ultra impressive so far this prep and proved last start that he can take a sit and still dominate. Expect him to be in the finish. BLACK VANQUISH proved he was a classy colt last campaign and had issues last start. If he can bounce back to his best form he isn't to be ruled out at 20/1, while Godolphin's MOGADOR will have plenty of admirers coming off a good win in Sydney first up. VON MAESTRO at 70/1 is the one to watch going forward.
1st KINGLIKE - $3.50 at Bet365
2nd KEEN ARRAY - $3.50 at Ladbrokes
3rd BLACK VANQUISH - $21 at CrownBet
4th MOGADOR - $3.10 at Sportsbet
* prices correct at time of publishing
Editor's note: Kinglike was unfortuantely scratched on Wednesday morning.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
