Track: Slow Weather: Showers

Eight geldings, a mare and a three year old colt make up the field for this years $300,000 Group 2 Crystal Mile.  Three had their last start in the Toorak Handicap and two are on the quick back up after running in the Moonga Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.  New Zealand trainers Emma-Lee & David Browne have two runners entered.  One of those runners is Elephant and he is the current race favourite.  He has won six of his eight starts and was second here in the Feehan Stakes a month ago.  Next in the betting is Buffalo River.  He is backing up for the second consecutive week and loves racing on wet ground.

Danny O’Brien’s Embolism is a son of Shamus Award who won the Cox Plate on this day in 2013.  He will race in the same colours on Saturday.   Second Slip is an on pacer who will be ridden by Linda Meech.  Best Of Days is one of two Group 1 winners in the field.  Romancer was second in the Sandown Stakes last start, while Rhinoceros is the lone three year old in the field.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Best Of Days

Godolphin gelding to be ridden by Damian Oliver.  He hasn’t been beaten far in his three runs back from a spell but gets no favours from barrier 10 here.  Look for him charging home at the end.

2. Begood Toya Mother

Was second in the Testa Rossa at Sandown, then sixth in the Moonga Stakes behind Buffalo River last week.  Not sure if he is going good enough to be a factor here.

3. Romancer

Eight year old gelding who has been racing well this prep.  Latest, was second in the Sandown Stakes behind Elephant who he meets again here.  Place hope.

4. Buffalo River

On pacer who backs up for the second consecutive week.  He lead all the way to win at Caulfield last week and has missed a place only once in nine goes on soft ground.  One of the chances.

5. Elephant

Was a narrow second this track & trip in the Group 2 Feehan, then was far too good in the Sandown Stakes.  If you can be forgiving of his last start failure in the Toorak then he is the one they have to beat here.

6. Second Slip

Has seven wins and five placings from twenty one starts.  He won twice at the start of this prep.  Was beaten 3.4 after leading them up in the Toorak last start.  In the mix.

7. Just Folk

Has also accepted to run in the last race on Friday night.  Has raced well with out winning since returning from a let up.  Up in grade here but grows a leg on wet ground.  Rough hope if they do decide to run here.

8. Embolism

Was an eye catcher first up at Sandown, then ran well again in the Toorak.  More weight to carry here but is going well this prep and has drawn well in six.  Each way claims.

9. Impecunious

Was third in the Group 1 Vinery Stud in April but not sure she has been at her best since returning from the spelling paddock.  Perhaps Hugh Bowman can unlock the key to her.

10. Rhinoceros

Tough three year old who refuses to give in.  He has won his last two but against much easier company.  Doubt he is good enough to feature here.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5. Elephant	5. Elephant
4. Buffalo River	8. Embolism
8. Embolism	1. Best Of Days
6. Second Slip	4. Buffalo River

Group 1 Manikato Stakes 2021 (Moonee Valley 1200m) – Friday night

Group 1 Cox Plate 2021 (Moonee Valley 2040m)

Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase 2021 (Moonee Valley 2040m)

Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup 2021 (Moonee Valley 2500m)

Bondi Stakes 2021 (Randwick 1600m)

The Invitation 2021 (Randwick 1400m)