For many, many years the Cantala Stakes has been one of the most open Group 1 features of the season and to say that this year’s edition is a dartboard is probably the understatement of 2019.
There are several Group 1 winners, several in-form milers and typically, many of the horses I was keen to be on have drawn way out wide. I’ve had another look and my 2019 Cantala Stakes tips can be found below.
Suggested Bets
- 1 Unit E/W #5 Royal Meeting
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Royal Meeting looked a run short when making his Australian debut on Caulfield Cup Day and given that was off a long spell, I think he’ll enjoy sharp improvement into this race. The Saeed Bin Suroor-trained entire has only had three career starts but won both starts during his debut prep including a Group 1 race in France. Getting out to the mile looks as though it will suit and with the luck that nearly every horse in this field requires, he’ll be hard to hold out.
Night’s Watch has returned to the races in typically pleasing form this time and is a worthy occupant of the top line of Cantala Stakes betting. The Redwood gelding found the Makybe Diva Stakes field a little too sharp here second-up, but he attacked the line to finish second behind Fierce Impact last time out and will appreciate getting back to the big Flemington track. He is one of the few that hasn’t drawn terribly, and he looks ready to peak fourth-up.
He saluted for us at an enormous price in the Toorak so it would be rude not to have him in my Cantala Stakes tips, but I just wonder if this field is a little sharper and barrier 17 is a little more difficult. There is obviously no knock on his form and results this time; a close-up second to subsequent Epsom winner Kolding before recording his first Group 1 win, and perhaps he’ll only improve further into this race. I like that Willo has elected to stay on board, as well.
Life Less Ordinary has flown somewhat under the radar this time and I think he’s a real shot of winning the Cantala at any old price ($26 at publish). The son of Thewayyouare returned plenty of top-class efforts in autumn and has stripped fitter for three runs this time in, including third placings in both the Hill Stakes and Craven Plate most recently. The drop in trip shouldn’t affect his chances, but he obviously needs luck from the carpark. This wide-open contest could be what he needs to jag that elusive Group 1 win.