Only eight sprinters will step out in Saturday’s Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield but the depth of talent confirmed in today’s final field has led to an open race from a betting perspective. Three-year-old Jukebox has been set for some of the Spring Carnival’s early Group 1 targets and is the $4.60 Sir John Monash Stakes favourite in the lucrative market here at Neds. Jukebox has only made six competitive appearances at the races but has shown above-average ability from start one and will be tough to beat under the conditions of this race and first-up. The Snitzel colt won each of his first three starts, including the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) last spring and finished second in both the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) most notably. He failed to fire in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) last time out in November but was found to be lame and immediately sent for a spell. He has trialled extremely well in the lead-up to this race and will be ridden by in-form hoop Craig Williams on Saturday. Crystal Dreamer has received steady support in Sir John Monash Stakes betting and remains the sole occupant of the second line at $5.50. The Stratum gelding has not been seen at the races since early March but was outstanding last time in and won the Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m) most notably, as well as reeling off placings in both the Listed Absolut Stakes (1000m) and Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m). 1100m might be a little further than his best trip, but he tends to fly fresh and has the class to fight out the finish of the Sir John Monash. Voodoo Lad ($5.60) is yet to show his best this time, but is a horse with plenty of talent and is a winning chance in the Sir John Monash Stakes. The I Am Invincible gelding is a multiple black type winner and resumed in spring for a smart win in the Group 3 The Heath (1100m) before two smart runs at Group 2 and Group 1 level respectively. He looked flat in both the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) and Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) at his first two starts this time, but will be rock-hard fit for this race and will enjoy the step back in class. Ashlor ($7.50), Inn Keeper ($9) and Ducimus ($9.50) are the only other horses currently available at single-figure Sir John Monash Stakes odds.
