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Runner-by runner analysis: Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Royal Randwick

Here is our runner-by-runner form assessment and tips for Saturday’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick.

Racenet
2 min read
February 29, 2024 - 11:22AM
Just Fine’s presence adds interest to the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.
Just Fine’s presence adds interest to the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

The $1 million Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) has drawn together a classy line-up at Randwick on Saturday and here is our assessment of the form of each of the runners.

Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday.

1 – THINK IT OVER

Veteran performer that will strip fitter from his first-up effort. Has excellent second-up figures and will make his own luck up near the speed.

VERDICT: Can run into the placings with improvement.

2 – CASCADIAN

They don’t run much better lasts than he did resuming. Only found dead ends in the straight but with clear air, he would have been in the placings. Can improve sharply.

VERDICT: Genuine chance to fill a minor placing.

3 – ARAPAHO

Wasn’t disgraced for a stayer when resuming and will have benefited from that run. Better suited up in trip but still likely to need more ground at this level.

VERDICT: Look for him to keep finding the line.

4 – BUCKAROO

He ran right up to his trials when catching the eye late first-up. Will strip fitter here and better suited over the mile. Genuine contender for the placings.

VERDICT: If there’s to be a surprise, he may cause it.

5 – JUST FINE

Interesting runner. Charged through the grades during the spring. Unproven at this level but gives every indication he’ll measure up and he’ll make his own luck on speed. Watch runner.

VERDICT: A genuine quinella chance.

6 – NAVAJO PEAK

Solid effort first-up, it was better than his first-up run in the spring and off that he came out and won second-up this track and distance at weight-for-age. Not the worst.

VERDICT: He’s a roughie that could place.

7 – LINDERMANN

Trials like a star and since turning four, he’s raced like a horse that’s not up to this level. Will be fitter for the first-up run where he was strongly fancied but failed to flatter.

VERDICT: Wait until he does something on raceday again.

8 – ATHABASCAN

Handicap stayer resuming. Has performed fresh in the past, but not at this level and never won at the mile. Look for him to be working home late but unlikely to be near the front of the pack.

VERDICT: He’ll do his best work late.

9 – FANGIRL

Star mare that was Winx-like when thrashing them first-up in the Apollo Stakes. Gets conditions to suit and is clearly the horse to beat stepping up to mile which is in her wheelhouse.

VERDICT: Clear top pick.

10 – ATISHU

Classy mare that didn’t fire a shot when resuming in this grade in Melbourne. Back to Sydney and she has an excellent record at this track, proven at this level but needs to lift.

VERDICT: Needs to lift but if she does she’s one of the better chances.

TIPS

1st – FANGIRL (No. 9)

2nd – JUST FINE (No. 5)

3rd – BUCKAROO (No. 4)

4th – CASCADIAN (No. 2)

Originally published as Runner-by runner analysis: Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Royal Randwick

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/horse-racing/qld-racing/runnerby-runner-analysis-group-1-verry-elleegant-stakes-at-royal-randwick/news-story/92904f05e96774c108b0d88735efb3a2