Group One Bonanza

Tomorrow is the feast of Palm Sunday. Today is the feast of Group Ones at Rosehill. Even better, they are Majors with a twist, as the lead-up form may be perceived as ill-fitting. Veritably, the day holds much promise of a bounty of nuanced racing.

Top billing is the Golden Slipper, where the Blue Diamond quinella is thrusting its southern nose at the head of the market. Extreme Choice and Flying Artie impressed in a target race on their home track. Their opponents today have opportunity to display their wares in their chosen target.

Of sublime interest is the Queen on parade. Winx is back in trip against a sharp field, one of whom she is yet to best in five clashes. Fortunately, that history is from another era. In thoroughbred racing, recency is the currency that counts.

The Galaxy mashes Challenge Stakes form with the Oakleigh Plate, 1000m at Randwick and 1100m at Caulfield. Neither seems particularly potent, thereby favouring those contestants with alternative preparations.

Finally, the mile-and-a-quarter pair, Ranvet and Guineas, offer a minimum of middle-distance lead-ups. The step from a mile is significant, offering staying types opportunity to improve sharply, as we saw with Preferment last year. I suspect we may see similar from Vanbrugh today.

Of the past seven winners of the Ranvet, four have brought a last start over the distance to the race. Whilst Bohemian Lily’s 2000m leadup falls short of Australian Cup class, she presents as the best prepared contestant today.

Look for my review of proceedings on Monday.

@justideal