The 2021 Metropolitan Handicap is anyone’s for the taking, with $8 the field at the time of writing (Friday afternoon). It promises to be a competitive edition of the staying contest, with some big odds on offer for well-credentialed gallopers.
Much of the pre-race discussion has revolved around Zeyrek opening at $51 and being backed all the way into the $9 mark. Will the plunge come off? Read on and find out in our Runner-By-Runner analysis of the 2021 Metropolitan Handicap!
1. Spirit Ridge (8) – $26
Jockey – Joshua Parr
Trainer – Mark Newnham
Ran well first up behind Harpo Marx in the Premiers Cup, but was very disappointing last outing in the Kingston Town Stakes, with a slow recovery reported. It’s very tough to back her considering that.
2. Shared Ambition – Scratched
3. Quick Thinker (18) – $26
Jockey – Kieran McEvoy
Trainer – M Baker & A Forsman
Ran on well in the Newcastle Gold Cup when finding traffic at a crucial time, and could certainly win this at his best. However, has drawn the car park which makes things very difficult here.
GREAT HOUSE wins the Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup for @cwallerracing with Jeff Penza the winning jockey! pic.twitter.com/TW4PFrb29m
— Newcastle Racecourse (@newcastleraces_) September 17, 2021
4. Dashing Willoughby (6) – $71
Jockey – Nash Rawiller
Trainer – Chris Waller
Came out here last spring as a Cups horse, and has never really looked likely on Australian soil. No.
5. Angel Of Truth (19) – $31
Jockey – Tommy Berry
Trainer – M, W, & J Hawkes
Didn’t look near it in the Naturalism Stakes, and has had a shocking draw here. No.
6. Mirage Dancer – Scratched
7. Warning (12) – $41
Jockey – Regan Bayliss
Trainer – A & S Freeman
Has residual fitness from his Queensland winter campaign, and worked home really well late behind Floating Artist at Flemington over 1700m. A big jump in trip but he should relish it, and you can include in all exotics.
8. Montefilia (17) – $8
Jockey – Hugh Bowman
Trainer – David Payne
Hasn’t put a foot wrong this preparation, placing in both the Chelmsford Stakes and the Kingston Town Stakes well short of her best distance. Is now third up and rock hard fit, the perfect platform to tackle the mile-and-a-half. The one to beat.
THINK IT OVER WINS THE GROUP 2 CHELMSFORD STAKES! @NASHHOT @kjparkerracing pic.twitter.com/Yl3oVmei1v
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 4, 2021
9. Attorney (20) – $26
Jockey – James McDonald
Trainer – Mathew Smith
Flew home last start and would be right in this if he hadn’t drawn barrier 20. Still, has the best jockey in the country onboard, is up to his pet trip, and is third up and ready to rock. Goes in all exotics.
10. Le Don De Vie (21) – $34
Jockey – Glen Boss
Trainer – A & S Freedman
Hasn’t threatened against the top liners so far in Australia, and the widest gate makes it very difficult. No.
11. Kukeracha – Scratched
12. She’s Ideel (15) – $8
Jockey – Jason Collett
Trainer – Bjorn Baker
Baker is flying and She’s Ideel is as well. Spectacular win in the Kingston Town Stakes, loves Randwick, loves the wet. Ticks lots of boxes and will be right in the finish.
She’s Ideel is a very good mare indeed and just keeps on delivering!
Jason Collett and @BBakerRacing win the Kingston Town Stakes at @aus_turf_club. pic.twitter.com/xjuzQcAmWO
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 18, 2021
13. Harpo Marx (5) – $16
Jockey – Rachel King
Trainer – Bjorn Baker
Has been working through the grades well and is certainly a progressive type. However, has been up for a long time and this is his hardest test to date. Can throw in exotics.
14. Entente (4) – $8
Jockey – Tim Clark
Trainer – G Waterhouse & A Bott
Another in single figures right in this race, with three runs under his belt this prep including a strong win in the Colin Stephen Quality last outing, he’s set to peak at the right time by the in-form Waterhouse camp. Huge winning chance, include in everything.
Third stakes win for Dundeel 5yo ENTENTE in the Gr3 Colin Stephen Quality at @rosehillgardens @gaiwaterhouse1 @inglis_sales @bomboradowns @ArrowfieldStud pic.twitter.com/MWDBoVmq4Z
— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) September 25, 2021
15. Great House (11) – $14
Jockey – Jeff Penza
Trainer – Chris Waller
This Galileo will relish the step up to 2400m and also the wet, won well in the Newcastle Gold Cup and is very hard to knock. Attractive at the price and can include in everything.
16. Hush Writer (7) – $67
Jockey – James Innes Jnr
Trainer – G Waterhouse & A Bott
Has no chance.
17. No Compromise (10) – $13
Jockey – Kathy O’Hara
Trainer – Chris Waller
Thought it was entitled to do more last start in the Newcastle Gold Cup, and that sort of flat spot will be severely punished here. Hard to have.
18. Charms Star (9) – $41
Jockey – Alysha Collett
Trainer – Chris Waller
Aggressive placement from Waller, who must have a high opinion of this galloper. Looks too difficult an assignment.
19. Luncies (2) – $15
Jockey – Robbie Dolan
Trainer – Kris Lees
Second prep in Australia, would need to put in his best performance by far to be in this. Hasn’t shown any signs of enjoying the cut in the ground. Happy to be against.
20. Zeyrek (3) – $9
Jockey – Andrew Adkins
Trainer – M, W, & J Hawkes
Enormous betting move from $51 to $9, the most interesting runner by far. Has progressed through the ranks here and certainly looks capable of landing the plunge for those on at the big price. Must go in everything.
Final Word
It looks a very even 2021 Metropolitan Handicap, with Montefilia our top pick, shading Entente, Zeyrek, Attorney, and Great House. All of these runners look set to run big races, and we wouldn’t talk you out of any of them.
Perhaps the best value for exotics players is Victoria Derby winner Warning, who looks a big price considering his strong form and staying pedigree.
Nonetheless, we’re siding with talented mare Montefilia in what looks to be a cracking edition of the Metropolitan Handicap!
Best Metropolitan Handicap Tip: 8. Montefilia – Win – $8
There is plenty more Group One racing happening this weekend! If you want to check out our Runner-By-Runner analysis of the Epsom Handicap, click here! If you want a preview of the talented three-year-olds contesting the Flight Stakes, click here!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Turnbull Stakes page for all your punting needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.
