Wow. What a day!
Saturday’s $5 million Golden Slipper promises to be one for the ages with two star unbeaten colts — Storm Boy and Switzerland — clashing for the first time.
I’m on record saying Storm Boy is an “absolute freak”, and he’s the one they have to beat.
There’s no question Switzerland is very good, but Storm Boy appears more physically and mentally mature to my eye, which is a significant advantage in these high pressure two-year-old races.
He’s also drawn a better barrier, which gives him an even greater advantage. I can’t see Switzerland giving him three or four lengths head start, and running him down.
As we saw in the Magic Millions, Storm Boy is one of those extremely rare gallopers who can do it at both ends of a race. He ticks all the boxes.
The $2.50 available for Storm Boy on Saturday morning is a very backable price, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him shorten when the big professional punters enter the marketplace.
Outside of the Slipper (4.40pm), we’ve got four other Group 1s at Rosehill — the Ranvet Stakes (2.35pm), Rosehill Guineas (3.15pm), George Ryder Stakes (3.55pm), and The Galaxy (5.20pm).
In Melbourne, superstar mare Imperatriz is shooting for her 10th Group 1 in the William Reid Stakes (4.15pm), where she’s a dominant $1.70 favourite.
Whatever you do on Saturday, block out 2.30pm to 5.30pm to immerse yourself in three hours of Australia’s best racing.
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AUSTRALIA-WIDE
The Big Bets: Group 1 runner backed to win $170,000.
Tips from the Big Bookies: Golden Slipper Day edition.
Saturday Market Movers: All the Slipper Day shorteners.
Racenet’s national racing newsroom give their top tips in all six Group 1s at Rosehill and The Valley.
ROSEHILL
Racenet iQ’s James Molony’s best bets and analysis for Rosehill.
Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy’s race-by-race analysis, plus runner-by-runner analsysis on the Golden Slipper.
Clinton Payne has found one at $26 in one of the Group 1s, among his best bets for the day.
Golden Slipper: Runner-by-runner analysis.
The Galaxy: Runner-by-runner analysis.
George Ryder Stakes: Runner-by-runner analysis.
Rosehill Guineas: Runner-by-runner analysis.
Ranvet Stakes: Runner-by-runner analysis.
THE VALLEY
Racenet iQ’s Mark Guest’s tips and analysis for The Valley.
Brad Waters’ Early Oil for every race at The Valley.
‘Longshot’ Laurie Sainsbury is keen on one at $15 at The Valley who “worked terrific on Tuesday”.
Cameron Happ has found one at $19 who will be “powerful late”.
EAGLE FARM
Graeme Carey’s tips and analysis for every race at Eagle Farm.
MORPHETTVILLE / ASCOT
Heath Pope and Aaron Mills have done the form, and have found a couple at double-figure odds who will run big races.