Storm Boy needs to ‘go to new level’ in 2024 Golden Slipper: Ratings guru

Form guru Gary Crispe said on Timeform ratings Storm Boy is clearly the horse to beat in the Golden Slipper — but he has a word of warning for those wanting to dive into the short odds.

Unbeaten juvenile sensation Storm Boy is set to start the shortest $5 million TAB Golden Slipper in two decades at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Storm Boy, dynamic winner of his four starts, is the $2.30 favourite for the world’s richest two-year-old race.

If the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy stays at that quote, or firms as is widely expected, he will be the shortest priced favourite since Alinghi was sent out odds-on in 2004.

But Alinghi was upstaged by Waterhouse’s Dance Hero who remains the highest-rated Golden Slipper winner of the modern era.

Dance Hero won the Magic Millions and Skyline Stakes before his Golden Slipper triumph then trained on to win the AJC Sires Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes to complete the coveted Sydney juvenile triple crown.

Waterhouse and Bott are setting Storm Boy an identical race program this autumn with the wonder colt earning Slipper favouritism after easy wins in the Magic Millions and Skyline Stakes.

Form guru Gary Crispe said on Timeform ratings Storm Boy is clearly the horse to beat in the Golden Slipper.

STORM BOY âš¡ WAS ELECTRIC!

This Justify (@coolmoreAUS) colt, ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, easily took the $3 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic at @GCTurfClub | @SkyRacingWorld. @GaiWaterhouse1 and A Bott trained. He is Justify's first winner of a juvenile feature/major in AUS. pic.twitter.com/JNrC36iGy1

— TVG (@TVG) January 13, 2024

“Storm Boy first announced himself in the Magic Millions back in January producing one of the highest rated performances we’ve seen in that feature event,’’ Crispe said.

“He was dominant again in the Skyline Stakes but is still required to go to a new level if he is to be successful on Saturday.

“This can be said for all runners, however it highlights the amount of blue sky that has been baked into his early price.

“Unlike Alinghi who had already posted a Timeform rating of 122, Storm Boy is yet to break the 120 barrier, though it appears only a matter of time.

“His last 200m split has been his biggest strength and a high-pressure Golden Slipper should only see him getting stronger the further they go.’’

Storm Boy will be the eight favourite Waterhouse has saddled up in the Golden Slipper with four successful including Farnan at $4.80 in 2020.

Remaining unbeaten, the @CoolmoreAus & partners raced Snitzel colt Switzerland highlighted his class by winning the Gr2 Todman Stakes with something in hand for @cwallerracing & @mcacajamez.@ArrowfieldStud@inglis_sales@Sunline129@ColmSantry@TomMagnier@[e-mail]/uxqLoQyRkt

— Black Type Racing (@BreedingRacing) March 9, 2024

Waterhouse trained Farnan in partnership with Adrian Bott. She won the Golden Slipper six times previously including favourites Vancouver ($2.50, 2015), Overreach ($2.80, 2013) and Sebring ($6, 2008).

Crispe also forecast a ratings rise from unbeaten Switzerland in Saturday’s big race.

“Switzerland who has improved with every start, he’s on an upward spiral,’’ Crispe said.

“He was dominant winning the Todman last start and while he enjoyed the perfect run, he looks to get similar favours on Saturday with James McDonald sticking aboard.

“It took Chris Waller longer than many anticipated to win his first Golden Slipper but he has wasted little time saddling up another strong contender with Switzerland rated ahead of Shinzo at the same point in their careers.’’

The colts seem to be dominant this season but Crispe has a filly finishing top three in the Golden Slipper.

“Lady Of Camelot was very game in the Blue Diamond Stakes (second to Hayasugi) last start after she rode a hot speed in front,’’ Crispe said.

“This appears the perfect platform for Saturday and a key switch with Blake Shinn aboard. There are better big race riders and the draw should allow Shinn to take a sit.

“Like Switzerland, Lady Of Camelot has continued to improve and with another new peak in-coming, she appears the top pick of the fillies over the Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi.’’

Originally published as Storm Boy needs to ‘go to new level’ in 2024 Golden Slipper: Ratings guru