Morphettville Darley Goodwood Tips & Betting Preview

One of the biggest “party” meetings of Australian racing and a good time will most certainly be had by all though those backing the winner of the big race will clearly leave the track happier than most. A handicap until 2007 it is now level weights (plus penalties) and a much better race for it with a top class field and Group One status and has been won by the likes of Takeover Target and the legendary Black Caviar in recent years so expect a top class winner over the 1200mtrs again today.

IN SUMMARY: BLACK HEART BART took this race last year and arrives in even better form ahead of the 2017 renewal and really ought to prove very difficult to beat. He has all the form and seems to be getting better race on race and should prove too good for both Malaguerra and perhaps Illustrious Lad at a price, both of whom could well represent solid each way value.

Looking through this line up opposing the favourite seemed the first sensible option but a deeper look at his form seems to make that close to impossible and Black Heart Bart is clearly the number one challenger according to both the form book and the speed ratings. He may have had an interrupted Autumn campaign but that may yet be a blessing in disguise as he has come back better than ever with wins in both the Memsie Stakes and the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield (both Group One) and even a repeat of either of those runs from a horse described by trainer Darren Weir as “the best horse” in his stable should be enough to win the race for the second year in succession.

The year younger Malaguerra is one of the few horses in this large field with form in the book that suggests he can lay up with Black Heart Bart though like a lot of sprinters, he can either run very well or below par race on race day. He did finish in front of the selection in January at Moonee Valley so has a genuine chance if able to repeat that sort of form but hasn’t run as well since in two races with a five and three quarter length seventh to Chautauqua at Randwick last time out, and he will need to shrug that off if he wants to get competitive here.

As mentioned above each-way punters could find some value to be had with Illustrious Lad who is yet to win in this sort of company but still go well at a big price. Last time out he ran in the Group Three R N Irwin Stakes here when a length second to Viddora when sent off the 11/5 favourite and although that is a few pounds short of what is required here, he could (not will) sneak in to a place if others don’t bring their “A” game.

First Among Equals looks interesting for trainer Simon Miller and jockey Luke Nolen after winning last time out and as he is likely to strip even fitter now he could get involved. His race record suggests he does improves on his second run each season so he clearly deserves plenty of respect but others will need to fluff their lines if he is to get active in the finish here.

Lastly, Karacatis is more than capable of hitting the places on a going day and is quite clearly overpriced in the circumstances. His draw in the eighteen stalls is anything but encouraging but then again his price has added that in to the equation, and on his very best form he could possibly run on in to third, though the truth is the first three home are almost certainly already named in the short list above.