Similarly to the Oakleigh Plate in Melbourne, The Galaxy tends to attract a quality and open field of sprinters and represents one of the better betting races each autumn.
Many major stables will be represented in the featured sprint at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday – Chris Waller holds a typically smart hand, while several interstate raiders will take their place in The Galaxy field.
The complexion of this race has remained quite similar to how it shapes last week, and you can find my complete 2021 The Galaxy tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #8 Jonker
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
I’m confident that leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan can saddle his second Group 1 of the Autumn Carnival when Jonker contests The Galaxy, and at a lovely price.
Jonker stamped himself as a runner to follow during his two-year-old season under the care of David Atkins, but it is fair to say that he has gone to another level since moving north.
He put paid to a quality field in the Keith Noud Quality when fresh last time, finished second in the George Moore Stakes and returned to winning form in the Magic Millions Sprint.
Interestingly, Gollan saddled his first ever Group 1 winner when Temple Of Boom saluted in this race in 2012, and I really do think he has another winner in Jonker.
There has been a notable wrap around Haut Brion Her’s chances of winning the TJ Smith Stakes this preparation and there is no doubt that The Galaxy represents a far more winnable race.
The Zoustar mare has been a good horse for the Waller yard throughout her career, and she returned several typically good efforts during her spring prep last year, highlighted by a win in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes and fifth placing in The Everest.
The booking of James McDonald is obviously a bonus and on class, she’ll be right in the finish of The Galaxy.
Eduardo has been outstanding since transferring to the care of Joe Pride and The Galaxy looks the perfect Group 1 target for him.
The son of Host has been an above-average galloper throughout his career, but he immediately made an impression when arriving in Sydney last spring, winning both the July Sprint and the Missile Stakes at his first two starts, before finishing second behind Classique Legend in The Shorts.
He couldn’t have been more impressive when beating home some of the country’s best sprinters in the Challenge Stakes when resuming three weeks ago and he’ll relish the wet conditions on Saturday.
Three-year-old Wild Ruler will take his place in The Galaxy field and with even luck from barrier 9, he can fight out the finish.
Wild Ruler is a multiple black type winner, highlighted by an impressive performance in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes at this point of his prep last time in, and he went to the paddock last spring after running third in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
He was very impressive in the Listed Fireball when resuming this time and will take plenty of improvement into this race, but it is a big rise in class.