Race 6 - DOWNBYTHESEASIDE VICTORIA DERBY (2ND HEAT)

SS=Sit Sprinter V=Versatile E=Enforcer L=Leader

OVERVIEW:For those watching the Australian Open right now consider this; how would you feel about a first round where Novak Djokovic played Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer tackled Alexander Zverev. Without overstating the case we have a very similar situation with this outrageous Derby heat where five of the top eight winning hopes for the series as a whole do battle meaning at least one genuine star won’t qualify for next week’s Group 1 final. As is always the case at heat level in these blue riband series draws are worth their weight in gold so Kiwi gun IM ANOTHER MASTERPIECE (1) who was super through the Breeders Crown series last term and has only been in the shadow of potential freak Ultimate Sniper back home rates on top, particularly given the fact he has the speed to use his ideal alley. Sorting out where the other big guns sit is an absolute nightmare. With his race fitness and devastating speed LOCHINVAR ART (7) looks a likely qualifier even from his shocking gate while CRIME WRITER (8) – who isn’t even one of the many headline horses engaged here – also seems perfectly poised for a top-four finish given his excellent form this prep and the fact he’ll trail the leader and favourite in transit. The other poster children engaged here are MUSCLE FACTORY (3) who became the first southern hemisphere 3YO to break 1:50 last start, reigning Victorian 2YO of the Year CENTENARIO (9) and untapped rising star DEMON DELIGHT (5). Including them all in major Quads, particularly if you’re willing to risk the favourite a little, is very strongly advised.