Tim Hickman looks at Australia’s greatest race, the Grand Annual, with a runner-by-runner analysis, as well as the Champion Novice Hurdle which kicks off the program.
Race 1 – Hammonds Paints Champion Novice Hurdle, 3200m
Interesting race but there is one horse that stands out and that is Circle The Sun. The gelding won on his jumping debut at Pakenham and in the process beat two of Tuesday’s winners, Pure Deal and Teofilo Star. It was the quickest of the four hurdles on the day as well and he did all the work on the speed. Furioso was an impressive winner on the same day and looks value as well.
Strategy: Back Circle The Sun and Furioso.
Race 2 – Brandt Grand Annual Steeplechase, 5500m
Here are my thoughts on each runner in the great race.
1. Stern Idol
Not hard to see why he is an odds on favourite. Do I want to be taking $1.50? No. If this race was at Pakenham, sure, but he’s never been around this track under race conditions and it can find them out, especially given that he can be something of a hard goer as well. I wouldn’t be shocked if he won by 20 lengths though.
2. St Arnicca
Scratched.
3. Vanguard
Beaten favourite when he fell in this race last year. The win of stablemate Britannicus in the Brierly was a positive sign but he has to find plenty to beat Stern Idol – which is possible if that horse does something wrong. One of few in the field that actually have form here, which is a major positive.
4. Bee Tee Junior
Scratched.
5. Elvison
Scratched.
6. Crosshill
UK import that has long been set for this race. Ran okay behind Stern Idol at Pakenham but should be better suited around here, although like with Stern Idol you would have liked him to have experience here. Not the worst.
7. Police Camp
The only runner in the field to have actually run in the race (except Vanguard that fell) and he ran a terrific second placing last year. I liked his run in the Brierly on Tuesday which suggests he is going every bit as well this time. I think he is huge odds, I had something at the 70-1 that was around on Tuesday night but at 40s he is still a good bet and I expect him to start shorter again.
8. Rockstar Ronnie
Another import having his first look around this track in a race. I wasn’t that disappointed with his run at Pakenham despite being beaten at odds on. Nevertheless I reckon he will be better suited in 12 months time, and he doesn’t appeal much at single figure odds.
9. Tamarack
Scratched.
10. Hurry Cane
Stablemate of Vanguard. Won well at Pakenham and he has been well backed to win this off the back of that. Again, his first look around this course under race conditions isn’t ideal. $6.00 looks well short enough in early betting.
11. Blood And Sand
Wouldn’t win this if he started on Wednesday.
12. Epizeel
Probably the most likely to cause an upset if there is one. Ran third in the Jericho Cup around this course on the flat and has taken to jumping with aplomb. Stays, handles wet, and the booking of Willie McCarthy (won this race last year) is a very positive sign. Not the most talented but seems well suited to this race.
13. Abacus
Scratched.
Strategy: I’ll be backing a few here at big prices – Vanguard, Police Camp and Epizeel.
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