The Coolmore Stud Stakes is always a highlight of the Flemington Carnival, but this year’s edition is genuinely shaping as one of the strongest since the turn of the century.
Some of the country’s best three-year-olds have been confirmed for a start and there is always just something enjoyable about watching a Group 1 field dash down the straight.
My 2019 Coolmore Stud Stakes tips can be found below.
Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #2 Bivouac
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Bivouac does not know how to run a bad race and he is clearly the horse to beat in the Coolmore Stud Stakes. The Exceed And Excel colt has extended his record to five wins and three minors from only ten career starts and recorded consecutive wins in the Run To The Rose and Golden Rose most notably. I thought he was pretty luckless in open company in last week’s Manikato and should have only tightened-up for the hit-out. As long as he handles the straight, it looks his race to lose.
Microphone was pretty flat first-up, but he also stepped out in decent company and I’m confident he’ll enjoy sharp improvement from the run. The Exceed And Excel colt hasn’t missed a place in seven career starts and was simply outstanding at two; running second in the Slipper and winning the Group 1 Sires’ most notably. Importantly, he’s had two runs down the Flemington straight for as many wins and that could ultimately prove the difference in this field.
Exceedance has been freshened after his smart run for third in the Golden Rose and I can’t find a reason why he won’t fight out the finish of the Coolmore Stud Stakes. As I am writing this I have realised that there is a real theme to the breeding here – the Exceed And Excel colt hasn’t missed a place in five career starts; winning two including he Group 3 San Domenico first-up this time, in which he finished two lengths ahead of Bivouac. His form is clearly good enough to figure again.
Four fillies will contest this year’s Coolmore Stud Stakes and there is little doubt that Libertini represents the best chance of winning. The daughter of…. I Am Invincible recorded consecutive wins in the Group 2 Silver Shadow and Group 2 Furious when resumed this time, but found a couple of horses too sharp (including subsequent Group 1 winner Funstar) and the trip a little too long when third in the Group 2 Tea Rose (1400m) last time. She’s weighted ideally and will be partnered by champion hoop Damien Oliver.