Spring conqueror Boban tipped to show his creed in Apollo Stakes

LEADING trainers and bookmakers have their final say ahead of Saturday’s feature races at Royal Randwick and Caulfield.

Brenton Avdulla and Rubick after winning the Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G).

ROYAL RANDWICK

RACE 7: APOLLO STAKES (1400m)

Chris Waller (trainer) Boban, Moriarty: “Boban is going well. His first-up run was probably a couple of lengths from where we wanted him to be and you can’t disrespect Sydney form at that level, and the winner (Appearance) is a very a good horse. The 1400m will suit him better. I think he can bounce back to at least run in the first three.

“Moriarty’s first-up run was terrific but 1400m will probably be a bit short for him. He has come back well and is on track for the Ranvet Stakes.’’

Colin Scott (trainer) Speediness: “He’s super, couldn’t be happier with him going into this race, and the weather Gods have been kind to us by producing some rain as well. The horse looks great and he’s improved since his first-up run.

“We can’t see a lot of speed in this race to be honest, so I don’t think he’s going to be too far away from the leaders.

“He raced like that when Toydini beat him an inch in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day, so he can race close to the speed if we want him to.’’

Glenn Munsie (TAB): “Huge plus the scratchings have made for Speediness here. Small field with genuine speed from Howmuchdoyouloveme and Rain Drum that will spread field out and Speediness can take advantage of his inside draw and have a much, much kinder run than he did first up.

“I think 1400m is probably his best distance and he appeals a lot here. Runs his very best races with a smother and will get that here.

“Prepared to risk the favourites with Boban having to lift and Appearance not being as good second-up as fresh. Rain Drum the danger.’’

Grant Palmer (bookie): “We are with Boban here today with the expectation of a sharp improvement on the score of both fitness and the race suitability over the 1400m.

“It just didn’t seem to work for him last time in run whilst it did perfectly or Appearance and that gets him ahead of her today with us.’’

Blake Johnston (bookie): “Boban didn’t have much luck when resuming but was still a little disappointing when he found clear galloping room. He is a much better horse than that effort suggests and he should bounce back to winning form second up from a spell.

Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): “Going with Speediness. Missed kick last time and will sit closer here.

“Appearance is a class act but never won second-up nor been placed at distance. A worry.

“Boban will improve immensely here. Rain Drum for first four.’’

Verdict: Boban

Blue Diamond Stakes filly Earthquake at Darley Racing stables with Nadia Bartel, who is wearing a $22,000 Blue Diamond necklace .Picture: David Caird

CAULFIELD

RACE 7: BLUE DIAMOND STAKES (1200m)

Gerald Ryan (trainer) Rubick: “We’ll make up our mind what we do after we’ve seen the track and done the speed maps. But I won’t be going down there with the intention of leading.

“Brenton (Avdulla) had to hunt him up to lead the other day. The horse is fit and I couldn’t have him better.

“I don’t worry about the opposition. They have to worry about me.’’

Peter Snowden (trainer) Mohave, Earthquake: “Mohave will be suited by the extra 200m. We need to ride him patiently, use that draw and find cover early.

“The draw hasn’t done Earthquake any favours but that’s racing – we have no control over that. The filly looks well, actually I was surprised how well she looked last Monday, she is in fantastic order and her work was brilliant on Tuesday.’’

Glenn Munsie (TAB): “Looking at a couple of fillies here as the top picks. Nayeli was most impressive sitting on speed and dashing away at only two runs including beating the colts here three weeks ago.

“Love the way she has ‘pinged’ and seems to able to slot in behind speed in this. Close to double figures and represents great value.

“Earthquake was made work a few times during her last-start win and still dashed in straight. Only needs cover from wide draw to be competitive.

“Chivalry will appreciate blinkers and no doubt will not be as far back as last start. 1200 looks ideal.’’

Brenton Avdulla and Rubick after winning the Blue Diamond Prelude (C&G).

Grant Palmer (bookie): “Rubick, Rubick and Rubick! Very confident he will win this with authority. Brenton Avdulla is riding sensationally and we envisage him just parking in the perfect spot, from the perfect alley, swing into the straight and launch at the perfect time and win.’’

Blake Johnston (bookie): “Chivalry was beaten for speed in the colts and geldings prelude but had the best closing sectionals in the race.

“The 1200m looks ideal and the blinkers are applied for the first time. He should be able to find a better spot from an ideal draw and looks great value at each way odds.’’

Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): “Because of the early pressure I’m going with Chivalry and Nostradamus. Sure to be strong late.

“Nayeli gets a gun run. Earthquake is class horse but drawn awful. Not keen on Rubrick after gut-buster last run.’’

Verdict: Chivalry

Michael Rodd and Bel Sprinter return from a trackwork session at Caulfield.

RACE 8: OAKLEIGH PLATE (1100m)

Jason Warren (trainer) Bel Sprinter: “I think 1100m is his sweet spot.

“I just think 1100m is definitely his go because he gets that solid tempo in those races and can relax and the show the turn of foot that he’s got.”

Mick Price (trainer) Lankan Rupee: “It’s certainly not a pushover for Lankan Rupee but I think I’ve got the right horse going into the right race at the right time. I’m confident he’s good enough.

“I think eventually he is going to be a Group 1 horse, hopefully he can be a Group 1 horse (today).’’

Glenn Munsie (TAB): “Shamal Wind gets in with 52.5kg which is a massive plus for this mare as she is nowhere as effective when carrying bigger imposts.

“Caulfield form good, draws soft and will be running on. Looks the ideal sit midfield run home runner in this.

“Hard to fault Lankan Rupee’s form since being gelded but think value wise is too short compared to Shamal Wind.

“Another in that category value wise is Bel Sprinter who is very good fresh and flies first up.’’

Grant Palmer (bookie): “Lankan Rupee resumed with an absolutely smashing data return first-up to make him the horse to beat.

The in-form Lankan Rupee has plenty of admirers to continue his winning run. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“The big question, was it a one-off ‘boomer’ or is this now his level? Being a relatively lightly raced four-year-old who had indicated a big jump was feasible through his last prep we are comfortable saying this is his level and have him on top.’’

Blake Johnston (bookie): “Knoydart has come back a different horse this campaign and looked outstanding winning the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington.

”He should be able to find a good spot from the draw and looks sure to measure up to this grade.’’

Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): “Knoydart has improved since losing ‘two stone’. He is flying.

“Shamal Wind gets the gun run here. Flamberge will swoop late and Gregers has a terrific chance at huge odds.’’

Verdict: Lankan Rupee