2020 George Main Stakes Preview and Tips

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Fri 18th September 2020

It’s a small but select field set to fight it out for the 2020 George Main Stakes, with favourite Verry Elleegant looking to scoop up another Group 1 victory on her Cups path.

The track is rated a Good 4 with the rail in the true, with the track usually playing fairly in these conditions.

1 – Avilius – $5 ???

A few had written off this galloper after failing to really impress since his last win in this race last year. However, he rocketed home late with a flashing light run in heavy traffic in the Chelmsford Stakes, and looks ready to win here second up at his pet track and distance with less traffic to contend with. There’s just the small matter of a certain Waller superstar in the field. Goes in everything and is a real chance.

Watch: Avilius take out last year’s George Main Stakes.

2 – Dreamforce – $5.50 ?

Went at a crazy tempo first up in the Winx Stakes, but bounced back well by leading all the way and winning the Tramway Stakes. Should get a soft lead here and will be in it for a long way, but prefer him over the 1400m, and lacks the class of some of the superstars here.

3 – Kolding – $11 ??

Was plain first up in the Winx Stakes but showed a lot of improvement in the Tramway, and will be even better here third up over the mile. Is a star at his best – winning the Epsom Handicap and the Golden Eagle – but we haven’t seen that for nearly a year, though something near that would just about win this. Outside hope with continued improvement.

4 – Imaging – $10

Has been reeling off impressive closing sectionals this preparation and has had claims to win both the Missile Stakes and the Winx Stakes, but encountered traffic in the run. I think he may be better over 1400m, and he’s coming up against the A graders here.

5 – Star Of The Seas – $9 ??

Just lost the Winx Stakes to Verry Elleegant and has had an impressive trial since. I like the step up to the mile and he’s drawn to sit a few pairs back before peeling out for a big run. He wasn’t far away in the Winx Stakes and could certainly win this on his day, and is good value at the price for all exotics.

6 – Verry Elleegant – $2.40 ???

This is a tough one. Best horse in race? Yes. In form? Yes. I’m just wondering about the level of intent here with the mare’s connections coming out during the week and saying she’s on a path towards the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, meaning her grand finals are over a month away. Is this just a tick over run to keep up the fitness? She also performs better on a surface with some cut in the ground. I’ve got her on top but I won’t be backing up the truck at the skinny price.

7 – Colette – $41

I’m expecting a better showing here and the price is a bit silly for a mare of her ability, but the Australian Oaks winner will be much better over longer, and I’ll be following her later in the prep.

Tip: 6-1-3-5

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

*Odds correct at time of posting this article.

HorseWinPlace
1Avilius (6)J: Hugh Bowman 59kg T: James Cummings$4.80$2.25
2Dreamforce (1)J: Nash Rawiller 59kg T: John Thompson$5.50$2.50
3Kolding (7)J: Tommy Berry 59kg T: C J Waller$11.00$4.40
4Imaging (5)J: Kerrin Mcevoy 59kg T: C J Waller$9.00$3.70
5Star Of The Seas (3)J: Sam Clipperton 59kg T: C J Waller$8.00$3.40
6Verry Elleegant (2)J: James Mcdonald 57kg T: C J Waller$2.30$1.35
7Colette (4)J: Ms Rachel King 56.5kg T: James Cummings$34.00$12.00

 

From Muswellbrook to the Melbourne Cup, Will is mad about all things racing and sport. Spent countless hours in the backyard as a child pretending to be Glenn McGrath, and has been known to get deadly late swing with a taped tennis ball.