3 minute read

Chris Scholtz tabs the horses he expects to be Group One stars in Australia and beyond in 2017.

With one obvious exception we are looking for the horses ready to step up to the highest level, thus some obvious names such as Hartnell and Yankee Rose are not included.

There is also a list of horses I regard as “sleepers” who are poised to make their mark on the big stage in 2017.

TEN TO FOLLOW FOR 2017

WINX – OK, no kudos here, but why not ? She will keep winning as long as she stays sound and the sun keeps rising. Take the short odds and enjoy the ride.

SPIETH: Should have claimed a G1 win in the Darley Classic at Flemington. Full of raw talent - could he be our next big thing at Royal Ascot?

INFERENCE: Everything he did in 2016 was a bonus. Time and maturity will be the making of him as a classic performer.

AROD: Counting on Chris Waller to get the best out of this import. He will be a great back-up to Winx in wfa races if he produces his best overseas form.

OMEI SWORD: Early spell robbed this top class filly of the chance to be a spring star but the wait will be worth it. Will be a match for any filly when she returns – and don’t forget fillies of her class have a great record in the Doncaster.

COMIN' THROUGH: Untapped potential. What he did in a handful of spring starts stamped him as top shelf. Perfect type for the Guineas races.

CHETWOOD: Best is still to come from this high class sprinter. Good enough to Godolphin’s next Group One winner.

EXOSPHERIC: High quality import expected to make considerable improvement from his first local starts in the spring. The BMW and Sydney Cup will be perfect targets if he comes up for the autumn, otherwise be patient - he could be our best stayer in the spring.

SARRASIN: The Freedmans know enough about imports to give this classy son of Monsun every chance to win a big race. His first run in Australia in the Villiers at just his sixth career start off a long break was a beauty. Will be at his best at 2000m plus.

SUPIDO: Off the scene since a G1 placing in the Goodwood in May. Might be the surprise sprinter of the autumn.

THE SLEEPERS

Hair Trigger; Jorda; Kanga’s Eye; Nieta; Veladero; Deep Image; Reflectivity; Groundbreak, Singing; Swear; Sezanne.