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.
AVILIUS has won the G1 George Main Colgate Optic White Stakes at Randwick! 🇦🇺🏇
Do you think we'll see @godolphin's talented gelding in the G1 Cox Plate (Oct 25) or the G1 Melbourne Cup (Nov 4)? https://t.co/3uQUQeaNiJ pic.twitter.com/T4MvZ1IY7E
— Sky Racing World (@SkyRacingWorld) September 21, 2019
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.
| Horse | Win | Place | ||
| 1 | Avilius (6)J: Hugh Bowman 59kg T: James Cummings | $4.80 | $2.25 | Bet Now |
| 2 | Dreamforce (1)J: Nash Rawiller 59kg T: John Thompson | $5.50 | $2.50 | Bet Now |
| 3 | Kolding (7)J: Tommy Berry 59kg T: C J Waller | $11.00 | $4.40 | Bet Now |
| 4 | Imaging (5)J: Kerrin Mcevoy 59kg T: C J Waller | $9.00 | $3.70 | Bet Now |
| 5 | Star Of The Seas (3)J: Sam Clipperton 59kg T: C J Waller | $8.00 | $3.40 | Bet Now |
| 6 | Verry Elleegant (2)J: James Mcdonald 57kg T: C J Waller | $2.30 | $1.35 | Bet Now |
| 7 | Colette (4)J: Ms Rachel King 56.5kg T: James Cummings | $34.00 | $12.00 | Bet Now |
