The group 1 Bold Trease is one of the country’s premier staying events. The race is named in honor of the great Bold Trease who won an incredible four Sandown Cups in a row and is remembered as the greatest stayer of all time. It is fitting we have a terrific field to contest to race named in his honor.
Last week saw four heats contested with the winner and runner-up of each advancing to this week’s $145,000 final. The race is wide open and the TAB.com.au market reflects that.
Our Racing And Commutations Officer Jason Adams takes a look at the finalists one by one.
1. Lithgow Panther ($10)
Before making the move down to Victoria, Lithgow Panther was known as a drop out run on type. Since joining the Rob Britton kennel in September, we’re not too sure what he’s going to bring. When he’s managed to begin well and settle at the head of the field he’s weakened, and when he’s begun poorly he’s rattled home with eye catching runs. He is a value bet at $10, but take him at your peril.
2. Come On Fantasy ($8)
Probably better suited to the 595m journey, however has carved out some impressive times over the 715m. Her win in heat 3 last week was impressive – she was initially shuffled back, then worked her way into the race and finished the better to defeat Lithgow Panther. With not a lot of early pace on her inside or out, we can expect her to be at the head of the field in the early stages, if not leading.
3. Bourbski Fever ($2.50)
This girl has been dominant since her first win at Sandown Park this time last month. In all of her 22 race starts she’s never challenged the leaders early – and this Friday should be no exception. Expect her to get back in the field and make her claim late in the race as she did in her heat. She’s probably better suited to the outside and if she can get clear running she’s going to pick this field off one by one. She’s good enough if close enough.
4. Kraken Flash ($13)
Not a noted top line stayer, but is certainly a talented one. Her effort in running 2nd in heat 3 last week was enormous. She threatened danger down the back straight and showed good field sense to get in the position she was. This is a big step up in class for her and she’ll be mid field throughout the race – place chance.
5. Ryno’s Raider ($10)
He’s been a consistent performer for quite a while and broke 42 seconds at Sandown last month. He’s probably going to settle in the first half of the field and give himself every chance, though will probably be a touch outclassed here.
6. Kilkee Flex ($13)
She’s a proven performer at group 1 level having run a terrific 3rd in the recent Hume Cup. Probably better suited to the 595m trip – we can expect her to be close to, if not leading throughout the initial stages of the race. The 715m could be a worry, with greyhounds like Bourbski Fever making a charge late.
7. Luna Jinx ($2.90)
The pride of South Australia, Luna Jinx has been a stellar performer for well over a year. She’s been a regular in all the top class staying events throughout the year and it’s no surprise to see her contesting another group 1 final. She typically settles midfield and kicks into top gear in the later third of the race. If Kilkee Flex can begin well and cross the field it should give Luna Jinx a clear run. If she can settle 3rd or 4th she will be very hard to beat.
8. Lady Toy ($10)
Like Luna Jinx, this girl has featured in just about every top class staying event around the country in the last 12 months – and on many occasions the runner-up to Sweet It Is. She hasn’t been beginning well of late and is poorly drawn out in box 8. Probably not at her best at this stage of her career but being the champ she is, can’t be ruled out.
Selections 7-3-4-1
Pictured: Joe Borg with Come On Fantasy
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