Crack colts First Settler and Reserve Bank hard to split in Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington

First Settler and Reserve Bank top the betting in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes as the stablemates look to boost their Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes ambitions.

First Settler’s biggest threat in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) could be from within the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr yard.

The exciting colt has unbeaten stablemate Reserve Bank to contend with on Saturday at Flemington.

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“They worked together Saturday morning and there’s nothing between them in the gallops,” Kent Jr said.

“They’re both going to run extremely well and I’m looking forward to seeing First Settler, we weren’t sure whether to give him one more trial or not, we decided to run him (Poseidon Stakes) … he’s tightened up nicely.”

First Settler could stamp Coolmore Stud Stakes ambitions with another win on Saturday. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

First Settler loomed as a threat to Growing Empire last start in the Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m) but peaked on the run.

Reserve Bank was set to run in the Poseidon before a minor stone bruise forced a change of plans.

The Capitalist colt went to Ballarat instead and trotted in by 2¾ lengths.

Growing Empire franked the Poseidon form in sensational style, touched off in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes with a big gap to third.

First Settler is a $3.70 favourite with Ladbrokes from Reserve Bank $4.20.

Growing Empire with an emphatic victory and an exciting future! 🔥

Mark Zahra on board for @cmaherracingpic.twitter.com/PpfR6UZIAB

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 14, 2024

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Bodyguard ($6), Tarpaulin ($6.50) and Eneeza ($8) round out the top five in the market.

First Settler went into the Poseidon with one jump out under the belt compared to Growing Empire, a beneficiary of two 800m heats and a dominant Group 3 McNeil Stakes win.

“Growing Empire was certainly more forward in his preparation,” Kent Jr said.

“First Settler just peaked, only beaten 1¼ lengths.”

The Danehill is unbeaten colt Reserve Bank’s toughest ask to date after impressive wins at Bendigo and Ballarat.

“Reserve Bank has got to be tested at better company but he’s won very impressively at lower grade,” Kent Jr said.

“Certainly from what we’ve seen at home he’s capable of matching (First Settler) race day.”

Originally published as Crack colts First Settler and Reserve Bank hard to split in Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington