The Futurity Stakes, which looked like being the stage for Black Caviar’s 20th victory – thus breaking the Australian record for metropolitan tracks and also surpassing the race record of the great Zenyatta – now looks rather weak.
There are good quality horses here, but it doesn’t look like a genuine weight for age race at Group 1 level.
That said, it still looks a competitive edition of the race.
Punters seem to have it narrowed down to three horses, but does Andrew Hawkins agree with them?
Futurity Stakes 2012 Form Guide
Read on to find out his views on the 2012 Futurity Stakes:
1. SCENIC SHOT (3)
Grand old campaigner from Western Australia. I love this horse. That said, I’d be shocked if he was in the mix here. He’s always taken a while to find form. When he does find form, watch out. He’ll appreciate further too. Perhaps he’s aiming for a third Doomben Cup?
2. KING MUFHASA (5)
Kiwi galloper who provided my punting highlight of the spring when he won the Toorak Handicap (click here to see that famous episode of Centrebet RacingRoom). He looks the one to beat despite his last start defeat. Will race near the speed which should be of benefit in this field. Big chance.
3. WALL STREET (7)
Back with his original trainer after a number of years with Jeff Lynds. Raced below his best throughout 2011 before a few good runs towards the end – including a career best 4th in Cox Plate. I’m thinking Mike Moroney will improve him, and if he finds his best he could be a good chance in a race like the Doncaster. Chance.
4. DAO DAO
5. PLAYING GOD (2)
Dual Kingston Town Classic winner who ran well in the Orr Stakes. This is not as strong as that race, and he’s always looked like winning a race like this. Perhaps this could be his day? Top chance.
6. NIWOT (6)
Tough stayer who impressed in the spring. He was good first up at Flemington last autumn after almost two years off, but the field was nowhere near the quality of this field. Later on.
7. DANZYLUM
8. DOUBTFUL JACK
9. BIGELOW (4)
His two runs back have been alright, but this is a step up for him. I can understand why some are keen to tip him, but this is weight for age. He definitely looks below weight for age quality for mine. Place at the very best.
10. PINKER PINKER (1)
Cox Plate winner who has won two from three at 1400m. Her win in the Let’s Elope Stakes last spring was very strong – that day, she beat the likes of Mid Summer Music, Parables, Do Ra Mi, Keep The Peace, Brazilian Pulse and Majestic Music. Most of them would be competitive here. Should be ready to go.
11. ADAMANTIUM (8)
Three year old who doesn’t look to have the class. Did run well behind Pied A Terre and Proliferate last start but this is an entirely different race altogether. Won’t be carrying my money, and would be surprised if he placed. No.
SUMMARY
The three scratchings are disappointing, especially because I gave two of them no hope at all. So now, we have King Mufhasa a very short $2.50. I think that’s slightly too short for mine, so I’m going with PLAYING GOD. The WA galloper has always threatened to win one of these races, and I think this might be his chance. PINKER PINKER, the Cox Plate winner, is being trained for further but she has class on her side. I hope she proves to me, and all the other critics of last year’s Cox Plate, that she is not just a one trick pony. KING MUFHASA is a deserved facourite but he needs everything to go right, while I’m looking forward to seeing WALL STREET under the eye of Mike Moroney. Hard to see anything outside those four winning.
NUMBERS
5 – PLAYING GOD
10 – PINKER PINKER
2 – KING MUFHASA
3 – WALL STREET
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