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Golden Slipper 2016 race preview
17 March 2016 10:41 AM
Who could forget the incredible result in 2015 Golden Slipper when the $2.50 favourite Vancouver started from barrier 16, tracked three wide all the way with cover and showed blistering speed in the straight to take the race convincingly.
This year the talk is about Mick Price's Melbourne invasion with him training the two shortest priced runners in the race, Extreme Choice and Flying Artie. While others are talking about the possibility of the fairy tale for Gai Waterhouse. Not only will a win put her in the record books as being the outright most successful trainer in the race's history with one more win than her Dad, but it will also be the final scene in the story of a colt that recovered her friendship with part owner John Singleton, Kiss And Make Up.
Extreme Choice seems to have everything right for him on Saturday. Excellent form coming into this with very hot times coming out of his recent win in the Blue Diamond. Well drawn, and should capitalise nicely with good early speed. Proven winner over the Sydney way of going and hard to beat.
Flying Artie is his stable mate and a worthy competitor. Love his performance in the closing stages from barrier 15 at Caulfied over 1200m in the Blue Diamond. Had the best closing splits in the race and that's a huge vote of confidence for his chances here. Damien Oliver onboard should give him the best chance of getting clear air in the home straight.
Kiss And Make Up has impressed with two wins from two starts. Sectionals rate close to the top two and he'll probably improve this time around. Top hope.
Capitalist would be pressing favourite on his first three career runs. Reported to be lame in the Todman. Drawn well and good early speed puts him in the right spot. Still a winning chance.
Astern looks a capable type with two solid wins from as many starts. Barrier 17 is tough. Last years winner came from out there but don't think this bloke is a Vancouver.
Good Standing looked a bit green first-up but still managed to salute in the Skyline. Drawn a little wide but has good early pace. Chance.
Calliope has had two good runs back including a tough fought out win last start over the 1200m at Rosehill. Wide barrier with average speed out of the gates makes things tough.
Defcon finished strong to win the Black Opal last start. Second by half a length to Astern the run before rates well too. Wide barrier off a slow start is not ideal.
Of the others Star Turn ran wide last start and it told in the Blue Diamond. Starts further out in a big field again here. Run before that ran second to Flying Artie which was good. Place?
1st Capitalist presents as good value in the Slipper. Reports suggest he has recovered from his lameness and the all important speed maps present a rosy picture for him.
2nd Extreme Choice
3rd Good Standing
Mike Steward