3 minute read
The Australian Turf Club’s Autumn Carnival continues at Rosehill this afternoon and R&S Timeform Team have run their eye over the feature races.
Timeform Preview - Vinery Stud Stakes
This afternoon's Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes looks an old fashioned match-race with Funstar and Probabeel set to face off for the fifth time.
A stirring battle in the Surround Stakes, Probabeel got the best of Funstar late, before Funstar turned the tables in the Phar Lap Stakes.
Two quality fillies, Probabeel did have a key fitness edge going into the Surround and while unsuited on the heavy track last start, she was very strong through the line.
Funstar virtually led throughout and while expected to relish the conditions, jockey James McDonald was adamant she didn't love it.
When adjusting for sectionals, Probabeel's performance was the pick of the two, she appeared in trouble on the turn, before she really picked up rallied late.
Both horses appear better suited on the firmer surface on Saturday with a slight lean towards Funstar.
This has always been her first immediate target and she should be nearing her peak third up.
Just question how much more Probabeel can improve, if she has leveled out, it's hard to see her turning the tables.
On career best form there is little between them (117 Vs 115), however Funstar appears capable of going to another level on Saturday.
If that is the case, Probabeel has a tough task ahead.
That being said, the pair look panels above the rest, the next highest rated is Asiago (105) who won the Kembla Grange Classic last start.
Timeform Preview - Tancred Stakes
Talented mare Verry Elleegant is back better than ever and appears well placed to notch up her third Group 1 success in Today's Tancred Stakes.
Her first attempt at 2400m since winning the Australian Oaks last year, Verry Elleegant is tracking well, narrowly beaten at her last two starts.
Often a work in progress, Chris Waller has taken the earmuffs off this preparation and the results have been immediate.
A noted backmarker, Verry Elleegant has been more tractable, a key factor in her recent success.
While unable to win, her performances in the Chipping Norton/Ranvet saw her return a Timeform rating of 120 and 118 respectively.
Her two best performances since her 3YO season, she appears capable of improving again out to 2400m.
With the aid of the mares' allowance, she appears well placed and only has to cope with the quick back up and she should prove hard to beat.
Prior to this preparation, Verry Elleegant had never finished ahead of Avilius (0/3), but has had his measure both times this time in.
In what was only just a sit and sprint last weekend, Avilius simply wasn't suited and closed off well enough behind Addeybb/Verry Elleegant.
He won this race in dominant fashion last year and while he's been below his best, he is more than capable.
Sectionals suggest he should have beaten Verry Ellegant in the Chipping Norton and if able to run up to that form, he is sure to make his presence felt.
The Kris Lees trained Mustajeer steps up to WFA, but is back in good order and is sure to appreciate getting out to 2400m.
An impressive winner fresh, he wasn't disgraced behind the talented Master Of Wine last start.
While lacking the class of both Verry Elleegant/Avilius, he is progressing well and have to respect the booking of Rawiller.
Of the rest the Busuttin and Young trained Mirage Dancer appears the next in line.
An eye catcher in the Peter Young, he was below his best in the Australian Cup last start, but has the talent and his best form is over 2400m, he can bounce back.
