We preview all five Group One races on a huge Golden Slipper day.
Ranvet Stakes
Perhaps not the strongest Ranvet but one made interesting by the two imports Europe, both well-performed at Group 1 level. Via Sistina is a Group 1 winner of the Pretty Polly and rated 120 by Timeform. She wasn't far off that at her latest start in the British Champions. If she runs to that sort of level, she'll probably win.
That said, Place Du Carrousel isn't to be ignored. She's rated 118 at her peak beating Nashwa, who destroyed Via Sistina by 6.5 lengths over a mile in the Falmouth. It all depends on how close the imports run to their best, which is the unknown on the race.
Think It Over is a marvel. He equalled his peak of 124 in the Verry Elleegant last start, matching his memorable win in the QEII. Out to 2000m third-up, he's more likely to run his race than the imports and can be rewarded with another Group 1 for it.
Rosehill Guineas
Fascinating clash in the Guineas. Almost even better with Militarize opting to go to the George Ryder, meaning we're missing the quinella from the Randwick Guineas. Not sure how many times that would've happened before, but we've got 3rd and 4th up and against two serious Melbourne competitors.
It's not particularly often that the Australian Guineas winner out-rates their Randwick counterpart but that (narrowly) occurred this year. Riff Rocket was third at Flemington and rated down off his first-up win but I don't think he was afforded the best opportunity and looked in need of more ground.
Tom Kitten gets a much-needed jockey change and Bowman should really suit. His peak rating came over this trip in the Spring Champion and he looks the obvious danger. That said, the enigmatic Cafe Millenium is very interesting. He was much better in the Randwick Guineas and should relish 2000m now, but Rosehill doesn't appear to be his track.
Immediacy was excellent at Caulfield and has promised more sectionally at his past two starts. He'll need to improve another 2-3 lengths but looks capable of doing so.
George Ryder
Looks a deep George Ryder with a few handy three-year-olds. That said, I think they have a bit to find. The Randwick Guineas was below standard and I'm not sure Militarize going back to 1500m is ideal. He brings a near-identical last start rating as Veight through the Australian Guineas but they both have to improve to measure up to weight-for-age.
The most fascinating runner is Think About It. He had a tough run first up in the Canterbury but wasn't that far off his form, still running to 120. He's had an issue with bloodwork leading in but Joe Pride is one of the best and if he's lining up, I'm happy to trust him.
He's drifted out past $4 which looks very fair. The wide draw again isn't ideal but the 1500m start isn't too bad- they've got nearly 400m until having to turn and if Clipperton is positive there's every chance he lands in a good spot. He was beaten by Lady Laguna there but I think he turns the tables with fitness and distance.
Golden Slipper
Fantastic race headlined by what could be one of the better two-year-olds we've ever seen. Storm Boy lost his title as this season's highest rated juvenile but he rated as a very strong Magic Millions winner and was never going to improve on that first-up in the Skyline.
He looks right on track to run a Slipper winning number here, and what I loved about his Millions' win was his late strength. He did work early, was there to be beaten, and just when it looked like he was faltering, he turned on the burners and extended.
He'll need a good ride from Moore, especially if he's half-slow away, but Moore is probably the best jockey in the world and has proven that time and time again. He can sit just behind the speed, make it a test when he wants and kick clear again late.
There'll be more class chasing him, including Switzerland, but he got the run of the race in the Todman. He looks to get every chance again for J-Mac but Storm Boy's strength will suit the high-pressure.
To me, the Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi could be the danger. She just keeps improving every start and has already seen a high-pressure 1200m. If they completely over-cook it, she'll be running on. Traffic Warden fits a similar mould coming back from 1400m and can run top four.
The Galaxy
Fantastic edition of The Galaxy, and a great betting race. Happy to work around Ozzmosis who won a very thin looking Coolmore. Cylinder did frank the form in the Newmarket but he was already somewhat proven at that level and this will really test Ozzmosis.
I want to back a few here. Passive Aggressive ran right up to her peak rating in the Challenge, going back-to-back. She'll probably have to improve slightly to win this but gets in well with 54kg and can do so.
Private Eye can't be discounted. He was given a horrifically quiet ride in the Challenge as favourite. A high pressure 1100m suits him far better and weight regardless, his best would go a long way to winning.
The two at bigger odds that I think can run well are Front Page and Kallos. The former won the Kosciuszko very well despite pulling up lame first-up last prep and can give cheek with 52.5kg. The latter posted a good rating first-up, running straight by Asfoora who should've won this race last year. Happy to forgive the Oakleigh Plate run with 58kg when back in a race of little change and you'll get 100-1.
