Get stuck into Thursday’s Crown Oaks Day meeting at Flemington with our best bets, highlighting the key runners ready to make an impact.
PERISHER (9) could not have been more impressive when winning his first Australian race last start at Rosehill.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding took his excellent trial form to the races where he demonstrated an electric turn of foot to put his rivals away easily and win by 1.74 lengths.
That was over 1500m but a rise to 1800m looks more to his liking which was the case at Naas last preparation when bolting in by 4.5 lengths.
He has the speed to cross and find a forward position for Zac Lloyd.
The son of Australia looks an outstanding talent and I expect him to put this field away with just 53kg.
| 9. Perisher (9) 56.5kg113×1 | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months won by 1.75 len in a Bm88 at Rosehill on October 14 over 1500m on a soft track defeating Nobler carrying 55kg at $3.50. Previously second-up won by a head in a 3yo Mdn Sw at Gowran Park on April 22 over 1609m on a rain affected track defeating Alphonsus Liguori carrying 61kg at $2.40. Very progressive and looks the one to beat. | |||
BEL MEZYAAN (4) let down strongly to win when resuming over 1400m at Bendigo last start.
The Jerome Hunter-trained gelding will strip fitter and won his only previous second-up race.
Given the way he found the line, the rise to a mile should suit.
The only other time he raced over the distance was at the end of last preparation here at Flemington where he hit the line hard from well back to finish fourth.
| 4. Bel Mezyaan (8) 57kg234×1 | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months favourite; won by a long-neck in a Bm78 at Bendigo on October 28 over 1400m defeating Rosa Aotearoa carrying 55.5kg at $2.90. Previously second-up favourite; won by 2.75 len in a Mdn-Sw at Ballarat on February 14 over 1200m defeating Incontestable carrying 59kg at $1.70. Tough win fresh and should improve again to a mile. | |||
SEQUINNED (3) was awesome last start when winning over 1200m at Caulfield.
The Chris Waller-trained filly raced three-wide the trip and still let down with venom to salute by 2.5 lengths.
She’s since been back to the jump outs where she chased home the speedster Paradoxium to finish second in what was a pleasing piece of work.
James McDonald sticks and I expect her to be awfully hard to beat now that she’s at peak fitness.
| 3. Sequinned (9) 56kgx1151 | |||
| Most recently favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 2.5 len in a 3yo F SWP at Caulfield on October 10 over 1200m defeating Almost An Angel carrying 56kg at $2.80. Before that raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 9 in the G2 Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick on September 19 over 1400m, 2.75 len behind Bangkok Hottie carrying 56kg at $17. Flying and finds another ideal target with McDonald sticking. | |||
PROXIMA DEA (1) is unbeaten in her five career starts and the logical starting point when looking at Crown Oaks contenders.
The David Payne-trained filly returns to her own sex after impressively defeating the boys, including subsequent Victoria Derby winner Stormy Marco, in the Spring Champion Stakes last start.
The way she powered to the line over 2000m, suggests the 2500m here will pose no problems.
The wide barrier isn’t ideal but she has the tactical speed to cross and take up a prominent position for Zac Lloyd.
| 1. Proxima Dea (16) 56kg11111 | |||
| Yet to taste defeat in five starts. When well in the market, ran on from midfield and won by a neck in the G3 Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill on October 10 over 1800m defeating Wonka with 54.5kg at $4. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.5 len in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 24 over 2000m defeating Global Goal with 54.5kg at $3.70. Smashed the Derby winner last time and sets the benchmark here. | |||