2025 Standish Handicap Day Preview & Tips

2025 Standish Handicap Day Preview & Tips

The Standish Handicap will headline a ten-race program at headquarters this Saturday.

The Group 3 feature will see a field of just ten runners assemble for the $200k on offer but with a very open betting market, it’s set to be an exciting affair.

Hot conditions are expected so we’ll racing on a firm track and the rail will be out 4m for the entire circuit.

RACE 1: (12:20pm AEDT) TAB WE'RE ON BM70 HANDCAP 1400M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 1 Acta Non Verba

J: Daniel Moor (60kg) T: Danny O'Brien

Acta Non Verba brings solid formlines into this race and has won at his only start over this trip.

The son of Blue Point was beaten less than half a length in this class of race at Caulfield back in October but was sent for freshen up after being eased down in the Carbine Club Stakes at his following outing.

He returned with a solid effort over 1200m last time and with the added fitness, he looks a top chance here.

RACE 2: (12:50pm AEDT) NATIONAL JOCKEYS TRUST TROPHY 3YO HANDICAP 2000M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 2 Sigiriya Rock

J: Jye McNeil (58.5kg) T: Chris Waller

Sigiriya Rock has performed well in all four starts and looks promising.

The Chris Waller trained gelding scored a decisive win on the Caulfield Heath two runs back and last time, again over the mile there, he tried hard and was only narrowly beaten.

He’s fit, the blinkers come off as he steps out to 2000m for the first time and if he can slot in and find cover off the wide gate, I think he’ll be strong late.

RACE 3: (1:23pm AEDT) JOCKEY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PLATE BM78 HANDICAP 1600M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 8 Stylish

J: Jye McNeil (54.5kg) T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson

Stylish bounced back with an encouraging last effort after failing to handle the heavy conditions in the Group Three Summoned Stakes two runs back.

Settling back over 1500m on the Caulfield Heath, the Lonhro mare settled towards the rear and charged home late to claim third.

I think she’ll relish getting out onto the bigger track and the slight to the mile certainly suits.

From the inside draw, she’s set to enjoy a cosy run throughout under Jye McNeil.

RACE 4: (1:58pm AEDT) READINESS APP HANDICAP BM78 2500M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 2 Newfoundland

J: Tom Prebble (61kg) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Newfoundland looked to hit a flat spot but still finished off nicely when returning off a let up in the Bagot Handicap.

With eight weeks between that run and his previous, he’s sure to have taken improvement from the outing and he’ll relish the drop back in grade.

The former Irish galloper made it back-to-back wins over the 2400m journey back in October and the drop back to 2500m here looks ideal.

Tom Prebble jumps aboard for Gai and Adrian, he’ll take 3kgs off and can afford him every chance off the inside draw.

RACE 5: (2:33PM AEDT) VICTORIAN JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION TROPHY NMW HANDICAP 1000M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win Market Mover

No. 5 New York Lustre

J: Jamie Kah (56kg) T: Enver Jusufovic

New York Lustre could not have been more impressive when resuming over 1000m at Seymour and the daughter of Manhattan Rain looks set for bigger and bigger things.

Racing up on speed she accelerated away when asked for an effort and put up a 5.2 length margin on the line.

Only lightly raced, she’s performed well in all five runs and looks to have plenty of upside.

Jamie Kah will take the mount and whilst the mare does rise in grade, she drops 4kgs on that latest win.

RACE 6: (3:08pm AEDT) HONOURING OUR JOCKEYS PLATE BM70 HANDICAP 1600M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 7 La Fracas

J: Beau Mertens (58.5kg) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

La Fracas finished off strongly last start after settling at the tail and I think he’ll relish getting out to the mile here.

Lightly raced having had the five starts, he showed good ability in his first preparation and a gelding procedure during the break saw him return in fine order as he proved too good first up.

An Irish bred son of Night of Thunder, he looks very progressive and I think he’ll continue to rise through the grades.

RACE 7: (3:43pm AEDT) THE STUD AND STABLE STAFF AWARDS BM74 HANDICAP 1400M

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Each Way

No. 13 Kiko

J: Daniel Moor (58kg) T: J T Conlan

Kiko is racing well and will step out to 1400m for just the second time in her career.

The daughter of Capitalist has been finding the line strongly suggesting the rise in trip will suit and her only try over this journey was at Group Three level as a three-year-old.

She drops back in grade and the low draw will see her enjoy an easy time of things under Daniel Moor.

RACE 8: (4:18pm AEDT) STANDISH HANDICAP GROUP 3 1200M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 5 Pereille

J: Jamie Kah (56kg) T: James Cummings

Pereille is proving hard to catch but he’s certainly capable.

Two runs back the Godolphin galloper looked to have the Razor Sharp won but was just nailed right on the line.

Last time, he charged home from the back and was again just run down late.

He’s yet to win at stakes level but has been placed on several occasions and if Jamie Kah can get the best out of him, I think this will be his race.

RACE 9: (4:58pm AEDT) OFF THE TRACK TROPHY BM84 HANDICAP 1600M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win Market Mover

No. 11 Elphinstone

J: Beau Mertens (56kg) T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Elphinstone comes off an impressive victory over the mile at Pakenham and I think she can make it two on the trot.

Settling in the second half of the field, she let down strongly down the middle of the straight when asked for an effort to score comfortably.

The daughter of Street Boss just struggled in the heavy going at her prior outing and she certainly relished getting back on a firm surface.

A very honest mare, she’s got good form around her and the mile looks to be her sweet spot.

Beau Mertens will take the reins for Tony and Calvin McEvoy and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue as she can get back and finish off strongly.

RACE 10: (5:38pm AEDT) JOCKEY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PLATE BM74 HANDICAP 1200M

Race Starts in: Race Finished

Win

No. 15 Elba

J: Thomas Stockdale (56.5kg) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman

Elba was solid when resuming over 1100m on the Caulfield Heath and she strips fitter for it.

It was a gutsy effort from the Fastnet Rock mare as she raced three wide without cover and stuck on gamely for third.

Boasting a very tidy record she continues to work through her grades nicely and looks well suited here with the slight rise to 1200m.

Tips, recommendations and commentary are for entertainment only. All prices are Fixed win odds. We provide no warranty about accuracy or completeness. You should make your own assessment before placing a bet. Odds are correct as of 07/02/2025 12:20:10pm AEST and subject to change.