Butterfly, winner of last year’s Derby, and Oberoi, the victor in the Midsummer Classic will line up together for the first time since last year’s Triple Crown series, when they meet in the 4:40 p.m. feature Australia Handicap over 1 800 metres today at the Garrison Savannah.
The Coolmore “Home of Champions” Race day should give racing enthusiasts a day at the races to remember. When mentioned in the circle of horse racing, the name Coolmore stands for excellence.
In that regard, this race for horses rated 70-52 will not only surround the two top mentioned stars but a couple others in here are sure to make their presence felt. Among them is Zip Code, who has been in sensational form since suffering earlier defeats at the feet of both Classic winners, and is now going after a hat trick of wins.
Gay Smith’s filly Butterfly has maintained consistency after her Derby efforts, when twice going under to the invincible Northern Star. Having showed tremendous heart, despite handing weight to all bar the top weighted Zip Code, she can still float to victory.
Oberoi’s last race saw him just failing to reel in Zip Code. However, for this assignment, Oberoi is much better off at the weights, receiving seven pounds from Zip Code and is favoured to get the better of him this time.
Now in tip top shape, Zip Code has definitely been on fire ever since having a foot operation, racking up three wins in his last four starts, to show his true ability. He simply cannot be ignored as his pedigree makes him one of the better stayers in the race, if not the best, even though saddled with 128 pounds.
If you want to consider an outside option, then the imported Island Cotton is the one worthy of that wager. The duo of Legion, a sprint winner last time out in soft conditions and Felony Fire can be viewed also as long shots.
Immediately following the feature is race number seven, the Rock of Gibraltar Handicap over 1 100 metres.
In this race, Sebcoe can easily reimburse the faithful backers who invested in her last outing, where she ran disappointlingly in unfavourable conditions. There are quite a few others in this competitive race, for horses rated 55-35, that catch the eye. Burbon Street, fifthin his last run, definitely needed that race to bring him back to near full fitness following a foot operation.
Once he is anywhere near to full fitness, he should be involved in the final outcome at the winning end. Rockley, fresh off a second place effort over 1 570 metres, readily appears as a contender from the inside rail position. Preacher Boy, Miss Megyn and Only On Sunday are all four-year-olds who have displayed serious liking for the speed game.
Post time is 2 pm. (LY)
My picks
Race 1: Jolie Louise
Race 2: Peruvian
Race 3: Toco Man
Race 4: Lady Jazz
Race 5: Glamorous
Race 6: Butterfly
Race 7: Sebcoe
