The 2021 Golden Slipper has attracted a quality 15-horse field and will be run seven days later than we expected, due to torrential rain and flooring around Sydney. The $3.5M event over 1200m is a test of speed, strength, and tactics, with this year’s edition being no different, given the track is going to be in the Heavy range. Some big names are due to line up, with Magic Millions winner, Shaquero; Blue Diamond winner, Artorius; and Inglis Millennium winner, Profiteer all in the mix. Profiteer is the current $4 equal favourite, along with Richard & Michael Freedman’s colt Stay Inside. Artorius and Four Moves Ahead are the only other runners in single figures.
1. Shaquero
The Magic Millions winner only fell in in a pretty weak Pago Pago Stakes, but will be advantaged by the extra week between runs. Wide alley and Heavy going puts a pen through him though.
2. Profiteer
The race favourite Profiteer was dominant in the Inglis Millennium and then was only grabbed late over 1200m in the Todman. He has drawn to lead in barrier five under Hugh Bowman and will take some serious catching. Fitness is a slight query.
Profiteer looks the obvious leader from the draw
3. Artorius
Anthony & Sam Freedman saddle up Blue Diamond winner Artorius almost four weeks to the day since his strong win in the Caulfield feature. He will get back in the run which might make it hard for him to run on, especially given the track conditions.
4. Ingratiating
Wasn’t good enough in the Pago Pago after getting a long way back in the run. Damien Oliver is a plus, but he might have too much to do.
5. Anamoe
Godolphin colt Anamoe was crying out for a strongly run 1200m and he got that in both the Blue Diamond and the Todman, finishing third and first respectively. The outside alley is awful as it’ll force him back, but we can be assured he’ll be rattling home late.
6. Home Affairs
Can’t believe this Coolmore-owned colt is $16. The form out of his races just hasn’t been good enough when he has seemingly had no excuses in all three runs. Should be $61.
7. Kalashnikov
Won the Black Opal and now is looking to make it three straight after failing to fire a shot early in his career. Not here.
8. Stay Inside
This bloke has had a near-perfect preparation, winning dominantly in his first two runs, before being ridden upside down in the Todman Stakes; coming from last on the turn to finish fourth. He can return to the winner’s stall.
9. Rocket Tiger
Rocket Kitten would be a better name. Has none.
10. O’president
11. Captivant
The son of Golden Slipper winner Capitalist won nicely on debut and has had two nice lead up runs since, finishing third to O’president and Hilal in the Skyline a month ago. Don’t think he’s up to this, but he is a nice horse going forward.
12. Glistening
She led all of the way in the Riesling three weeks ago; just doing enough to hold off Swift Witness. They didn’t run time and the form doesn’t look that great. Can’t have.
13. Four Moves Ahead
Snitzel filly Four Moves Ahead is the only undefeated runner in the race and she has a big chance of maintaining that record. She is a month between runs after doing enough to hold on in the Sweet Embrace, and won her maiden on debut on a Heavy 8. She will get a nice run from Nash Rawiller and be hard to beat.
14. Swift Witness
Failed when favourite in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and then put in an eye-catching second in the Riesling behind Glistening. She will be running on late.
15. Mallory
Finished three lengths off Enthaar on debut before winning the Widden Stakes. Got a long way back in the Sweet Embrace but worked home really nicely on the Soft track. She has been kept fresh for this and will get the run of the race from barrier six under Jason Collett. Yes.
16. Queen Of Wizardry
Hasn’t had a run for nearly three months after being luckless in the Magic Millions. Can’t have her here, but will get better as she gets out over further.
Selections
Siding with Mallory at any old price here. Just gets all of the favours and has been improving with every run. Trusting the stable to have her right. Profiteer, Stay Inside and Four Moves Ahead are all deserving market toppers and will look the winner at some stage.
Lloyd's selections: 15-2-8-13
Moz's selections: 3-2-6-1
Bean's selections: 14-8-13-6
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