The R.N. Irwin Stakes shapes as a strong Group 3 sprint at Morphettville, with a mix of proven local performers and interstate raiders kicking off key campaigns ahead of the Sangster and Goodwood.
Several runners bring high-quality track and distance form, while others look to use this as a launching pad deeper into their prep, adding plenty of intrigue to the 1100m contest.
(1) Sghirripa (2)
T: Shane & Cassie Oxlade
J: C Rawiller
He is one of the top line local sprinters in this race and does have a strong record over this track/distance set up, including running 3rd in this race last year and a recent win at Listed level in the Durbridge Stakes. He jumps from barrier 2 and will race handy so shouldn’t be underestimated.
(2) Watchme Win (7)
T: A J Gluyas
J: J Holder
A runner who within the last 12 months really looks to have found a high level, winning races like Listed Wylie Handicap and the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes this time last year. Both of those races were over this track/distance set up, so it suits him and he also is undefeated when 1st up into a prep. Gets an ideal set up for this and is one of the main chances.
(3) Pisanello (9)
T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes
J: D Stackhouse
Finished off strongly to run 4th in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington, running the 5th fastest L600m of the entire meeting. Fitter 2nd up today where he has a super record (4:3-0-0) and rising in distance will suit. Expect him to be strong through the line.
(6) Midtown Boss (8)
T: M Laurie
J: B Allen
Resumes here today off a long spell. He has won 1st up twice previously so can fire fresh, but the long break could be a big test of fitness for him in what looks a hot race. Would prefer to only be watching him in this for now, looking towards races deeper into the prep.
(7) Gold Spirit (5)
T: G B Kluske
J: B King
Has won 2 BenchMark level races in a row, both in good fashion, but is taking a considerable step up in level for this today. Will need a career peak performance again to be a winning chance.
(8) Super Smink (10)
T: D L Morton
J: J Opperman
A WA visitor who resumes here today. It is likely she will get back in the run and be hitting the line well, but don’t expect this 1100m trip to bring out her best. She will likely take good improvement out of this race and can be one to follow closely heading potentially towards the Sangster when she is over more ground and fitter 2nd up.
(9) Stretan Angel (4)
T: P Stokes
J: L Neindorf
A consistent mare but she does need a lot to go right to be a winning chance in most races as she usually goes back in the run. She may settle closer in the run from barrier 4 today which will suit, but she isn’t a known 1st up performer and likely has improvement to come when fitter 2nd up.
(10) Tiger Shark (6)
T: C Douglas
J: R Milnes
Finished midfield when resuming in the Bob Hoysted and never really got into the race. Expecting a sharp improvement here today as she is a runner who is going to be better suited over the 1100m trip and performs well 2nd up (5:4-0-0). She is one of the better rough chances in this race.
(11) Hidden Motive (3)
T: N Doyle
J: J Toeroek
NSW runner who is capable of a peak performance 3rd up and is at his peak fitness now at this point into this prep. He has been undefeated in 2 other 3rd up runs previously through his career, so hits this race at an ideal point and is consistent at this distance (6:2-0-3). He potentially gets run of the race on the speed jumping from barrier 3.
(12) Gracie’s Rain (1)
T: M Huglin
J: K Jennings
Jumps up from BenchMark grade into a Group 3 here today, so needs a near career peak performance to be a winning chance. She is a runner who has plenty of early speed and, jumping from barrier 1, should land in her ideal position and give her that chance for a big run.
Selections:
(2) Watchme Win
(11) Hidden Motive
(3) Pisanello
(1) Sghirripa
