MORPHETTVILLE – THE GOODWOOD
1st – No.9 – LOFTY STRIKE
Apart from his TJ Smith Stakes effort on a heavy track, this three-year-old colt is one of the form sprinters in the country. First-up he beat Uncommon James in the Rubiton before running second to that horse in the Oakleigh Plate and second again at In Secret’s Newmarket Handicap – I Wish I Win, Private Eye and Mazu were the three behind him. Yes, that was under handicap conditions but he’s treated well at the set weights and penalties and the form guide would suggest he’s a worthy favourite.
Verdict: Hardest to beat.
2nd – No.7 – ZAPATEO
The barrier draw did this mare no favours but class isn’t an issue. Similar to her last start effort in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes, she will most likely have to go back to the tail of the field and spot them a big start. Apart from the poor barrier, the Godolphin mare has a super record at the trip (7:3-2-1) and did give the handy Princess Grace wind burn earlier this prep.
Verdict: Can win but needs luck to go her way.
RELATED: Runner-by-runner analysis for The Goodwood at Morphettville
3rd – No.3 – SAVATOXL
Previous winner of The Goodwood and one of two Group 1 winners in the field having taken out the 2021 edition and trainer Will Savage has him back in winning form. Similar to that year, he’s won the Group 3 D C McKay Stakes in the lead up and the speed map suggests he can make his way across from barrier six to lead. This is tougher than what he beat last start and while he may not be going as good as when he won it a few years ago, there’s no Gytrash and Behemoth on Saturday.
Verdict: Good chance to win another.
4th – No.1 – FRONT PAGE
Huge last time out in the Wagga Town Plate when covering a stack of ground but still having the audacity to only be beaten by the narrowest of margins. Showed his class at this level having finished 1-½ lengths off Roch ‘N’ Horse in last year’s Champions Sprint and if he gets a bit more luck on Saturday, Front Page should be in the mix.
Verdict: Can’t dismiss.
DOOMBEN – DOOMBEN CUP
1st – No.11 – DUAIS
High class mare that is attempting to win this first-up having not raced since finishing down the track in the Melbourne Cup. She is a three-time Group 1 winner, twice at weight-for-age over 2000 and 2400m. Has looked the part in her three public trials and handles good and soft tracks. Big ask this first-up but astute trainer and she’s a genuine topliner when right.
VERDICT: The X-factor horse in the race.
2nd – No.1 – ZAAKI
He’s a proven Group 1 weight-for-age performer and his racing style suits Doomben. Handles all types of ground and has only missed a place in three of 12 starts over the 2000m trip. On paper one concerning statistic is his third-up record of 8:1-2-3 but when you delve into it, he hasn’t missed a place in four Aussie campaigns, placing twice in a Caulfield Stakes, once in a Queen Elizabeth and winning a Hollindale.
VERDICT: Has the runs on the board.
3rd – No.3 – HUETOR
Last year’s winner of the race and he showed he was ready to give a strong defence of his title with a hard finishing and close second behind Zaaki in the Hollindale Stakes. He gets back and runs home so he’s probably not as well suited at Doomben as he was when winning this last year at Eagle Farm and the Hollindale was at the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago. Excellent 2000m record and effective in all types of ground.
VERDICT: Peaking at the right time.
4th – No.13 – KOVALICA
Arrives here for his first test against the older horses but it should be noted that two other three-year-olds, Giga Kick and Ruthless Dame, have won Group 1 set weights and weight-for-age races in recent weeks. Kovalica was scratched from a 2000m race last week due to a foot abscess. He’s building an imposing record and is a winner over 2100m. Tricky draw (13) to overcome.
VERDICT: Above average, can measure up.
Doomben Cup 2023 horse race
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