Analysing the talawah superstakes
The mighty clash of the Derby winners, Typewriter and Perfect Neighbour
1. TYPEWRITER (L) Shane Ellis Spencer Chung 126
Derby winner of 2012, who has come on well at four, beat Perfect Neighbour allowing weight over 1,820 metres in August by just over a length. Now with the handicaps even better for Typewriter, it is difficult not seeing this bay gelding by Burning Marque – Doc’s Paladin in front of Perfect Neighbour. Worked very well coming into this event, spinning seven furlongs in a fairly comfortable 1:27.0/1. Not a speedy sort, therefore the number one draw might be a tad problematic in the early part of the race, going 10 furlongs, however, any problems will be dealt with by Shane Ellis. There is quiet confidence in the Spencer Chung camp of a bumper Super Day. Speed Rating 187.
2. SCOOP JORDYNE (L) Omar Walker Patrick Lynch 126
Despite his grittiness, it is not expected to feature here. Speed Rating 168.
3. LADY ABHIJITA (&L) Richard Mairs Richard Azan 117
One of two fillies in the race. Will find this assignment very strenuous.
4. RAGING PROSPECT (L) Percy Williams Fitzroy Glispie 126
Is not without a fighting chance here. Probably tapering off just a bit after a good first part of the season. Raging Prospect is a fighter and must not be underestimated. Speed Rating 173.
5. D’ANGEL (L) Richard Lunan Phillip Elliott 121
Although this analyst supports everything angelic, D’Angel is misplaced here.
6. TIME FOR ARMS (BL) Richard Mitchell Fitzroy Glispie 126
A real hard-knocker who has been beaten by the principals, he again rivals tomorrow but is as genuine as they come. Tough and battle-worn, he will get the trip and might be the one to upset the “Derby winners'” apple cart. Will be running on strongly. Watch him closely. Speed Rating 164.
7. EXOTIC GOLD (TCL) Shamaree Muir Wayne DaCosta 121
At these weights is completely out of contention but should win the race among the fillies in the race. Speed Rating 176.
8. COLD GROUND (L) Ameth Robles Patrick Lynch 126
This is a difficult race and Cold Ground should benefit from the experience. Speed Rating 166.
9. CLASSY PROSPECT (L) Dane Nelson Wayne DaCosta 126
Will probably go in front and try to make it from the helm of the pack. Classy Prospect has been mellowing with age, especially showing a likeness for the longer races. Is very fit and will run well, but a minor share might be his reward. Speed rating 168.
10. COMMANDING CHIEF (L) Paul Francis Everal Francis 126
Difficult horse to assess. Seems to prefer middle-distance races and is seemingly not at his best when going long. Commanding Chief is, however, very genuine, is well trained and is as good as any on his best day. Holds a recent victory over Typewriter going eight furlongs. Might just be stretched going two furlongs longer. Speed rating 150.
11. PERFECT NEIGHBOUR (TL) Dick Cardenas Wayne DaCosta 119
By far the best three-year-old in the land. After taking care of his peers by winning the Derby and the St Leger, made his presence felt among the older horses when finishing second to Typewriter in the Nigel Nunes Cup over 1,820 metres. Then in the Governor General Stakes he established himself as a class horse. Perfect Neighbour has worked well, 1:27.3 for seven furlongs coming into this Superstakes, is very, very fit and is just itching to go. This is a three-year-old who is successfully making the move to the higher rated classes, the scope for further improvement is still there, so let’s watch how he performs in the big one. Gets almost the perfect draw on the outside. Speed rating 179.
12. RUM PUNCH (L) Andrew Ramgeet Wayne DaCosta 119
Wow! How this horse has improved. Dismantled the opposition the first time of asking in Overnight Company going 1,820 metres and is now at a stage of rapid development. Has also shown great versatility and the ability to win races from in front and behind. This flexibility augurs well for his chances in the Superstakes. Andrew Ramgeet is the perfect partner on a big day like the Superstakes. Rum Punch represents the future, and his performance in this race will surely give a telling response to just how far he will go. Could not be better. Speed rating 180.
13. HOMBRE (L) Winston Griffiths Cleveland Mitchell 126
A past winner of this race who is getting on in years and is known to love racing from in front, so expect Griffiths to do exactly that tomorrow. Hombre is now trained by Cleveland Mitchell, taking over from Noel Ennevor who is recuperating from illness. It would be a feather in the cap for this young trainer if Hombre should win. At this stage in his career, however, he might find the ‘Young Turks’ difficult to conquer. Speed rating 178.