It’s been six years since the biggest prize in two-year-old racing has left Sydney, but according to CEO of Palmerbet, Grant Palmer, this year’s Golden Slipper looks set to leave the harbour city.
“It’s a massive year for the fillies,” explained Palmer. “We really like the looks of Houtzen and Catchy.”
Magic Millions winner Houtzen is currently the $3.80 favourite for the race and rated by many as the best two-year-old this season. However, that’s not to say there aren’t question marks around the Gold Coast filly.
“She’s been outstanding in all four race starts so far, and you have to love what she did to the field in the Magic Millions. But she hasn’t really been tested against many of the best down south, which makes her look a touch suspect at that price."
“But for us, she rates very highly and is a massive chance.”
On the second line of betting, former race favourite She Will Reign looked all but a lock for the big race until coming unstuck in the wet at her last start in the Reisling Stakes. While you can find excuses from that day, Palmer thinks that there may be better value elsewhere.
“You can look at what happened to Capitalist last year and draw a comparison, but we’re happy to be against her. She did look impressive winning her three before that, but those races all look a little soft once you line up the form.”
For Palmer and his team of racing traders, the Hayes and Dabernig trained Catchy ticks all the boxes as this years’ race winner. Not only is the filly unbeaten in her four starts, but seemingly has the strongest form entering the grand final.
“We loved how she worked home against the bias to win the Blue Diamond. It was a massive win, and against a high-quality field.”
Since finishing fourth in the Blue Diamond, stablemate Tulip franked the Melbourne form with a strong win in the Magic Night Stakes over the Slipper distance at Rosehill on Saturday.
“Houtzen and Catchy have very different racing styles,” explained Palmer. “We can see the favourite looking the winner at some stage, but just being run down on the post by Catchy.”
Catchy is currently paying $5.50 for the win with Palmerbet, and $2.05 for the place.
