Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic Tips and Preview
Posted by David on November 6th , 2009 under Horse racing | 
Be the First to Comment
The Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic, held annually on Emirates Stakes Day, is worth $500,000. It is run straight down the track at Flemington, with no turns over the 1200m, meaning it is a true test of speed. It is one of the best races in the Carnival for sprinters, and is generally considered the next race for performers in the Group1 Coolmore Stud Stakes of Derby Day. Previous winners of the race include Hareeba, Takeover Target, Dance Hero and Miss Andretti.
All Silent is the favourite for this year’s race with Betfair at $4.30. Interestingly, he won the main race on this day, the Emirates Stakes, last year. He has only raced once this spring, when he won the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes first-up over similar conditions to this. He is a bit short for my liking, considering the horses that he is up against.
Apache Cat is in an unfamiliar position – one where he is not the favourite! He probably should deserve favouritism, considering his effort in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes on Cox Plate Day when he beat arch-rival Mic Mac. He is at $4.80, which are excellent odds considering the Cat’s form and history.
Mic Mac is right out at $7. He has been racing well this Spring, taking out two wins and two second places out of his 5 starts. He is every bit as good as Apache Cat, but without a little luck he has faded into the background. I’m definitely hoping that he can get one over the Cat, but only time will tell.
Nicconi ($5.10) hasn’t raced since September, but his 3rd in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes on a slow track was impressive, as was his win in the Group 3 McEwen Stakes before that. Interestingly, he has not won over this distance before, preferring the shorter 1000m. He will race well here, but it will take a lot to win considering he hasn’t raced for over a month.
Picking a winner in this field of stars is going to be difficult. I’m going with Apache Cat, but he’s going to have his work cut out for him. All Silent and Mic Mac are my next to tips. Last year’s winner Turffontein, who finished second in the Group 2 Salinger Stakes last Saturday, provides some value at $17, though you get the feeling the 1200m might be a bit short for him.
MY TIPS:
Apache Cat
All Silent
Mic Mac
Turffontein
