Similar to the Golden Slipper, the 1100m Group 1 Galaxy is a race where the barrier draw demands serious respect. The tricky chute start at Rosehill often favours runners that can settle up on speed, largely due to the J-shaped nature of the track.
History backs that up, with 11 of the past 16 winners drawing inside barrier 8. Adding another layer to the puzzle is the likelihood of a rain-affected track. As the map suggests, the 1100m chute start can be especially unforgiving for those drawn wider out.
As you would expect in an 1100m handicap, there is a huge amount of speed on paper. Importantly, much of that speed has drawn favourably enough inside, including The Black Cloud (1), Hedged (3), Ostraka (4), Bridal Waltz (7), Grafterburners (8) and Mazu (9). That makes life particularly difficult for those drawn wide and hoping to press forward without burning too much fuel early.
The horse to note is Briasa (14), the $5.50 second elect. The hope for him is that a three-wide line forms and allows him to work into the race at the right stage without doing too much early.
The other key factor is the emergencies. Beadman (16), Hidden Motive (6) and Inkaruna (5) all have the potential to shape the race if they gain a start. Collectively, they would only add more speed pressure to the event.
Winners from the Draw
Grafterburners (8)
Gun draw for the final field favourite. He should have options from the barrier and looks set to get clear air at the right time.
Hedged (3)
He should be able to find the rail in running, which we know is often key in these chute-start races, especially in high-pressure contests.
Bridal Waltz (7)
She has plenty of options from a positive gate and her tactical speed gives her every chance to make full use of it.
Mazu (9) and Ostraka (4)
Both look capable of landing on speed from positive barriers. Mazu will need to begin well and is definitely helped if Hidden Motive and Inkaruna do not make the field.
Losers from the Draw
Briasa (16) and Generosity (17)
Both have drawn wide and look set to do plenty of work early. That is especially concerning for Briasa, who is first-up and has to lump 58.5kg. It would be no surprise to see him snagged back to last to run on, or even scratched.
Marhoona (10) and Enriched (11)
Both look likely to land in no-man’s land. Marhoona does have tactical versatility, which helps, but she still appears vulnerable to either being forced back or caught wide.
In Flight (13) and Jedibeel (16)
Both have drawn wide, both are likely to settle away from the rail, and both will need plenty of luck from there.
Overall
Overall, the barrier draw has gone a long way to narrowing the winning chances in this year’s Galaxy. The key remaining variable is whether any horses come out, because with several emergencies still in play, the shape of the race could still change significantly.
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