3 minute read

The Group 1 Winx Stakes kicks off the Sydney Spring Carnival on Saturday – the good horses are officially back!

Concede Verry Elleegant is one of the best if not the best we have (beyond 1400m) but happy to oppose her on the weekend.

First glance it looks a 4-1 the field and I can't help but gravitate towards my boy Cascadian.

Did the right thing by us in the Doncaster before confirming that level of performance when he arguably should have won the All Aged Stakes.

The horse he should have beat (Kolding) started a bigger price ($9 Vs $8.50) yet Saturday is $5 Vs $10.

Kolding was solid enough fresh but it was far from a "you have to back me next start effort" and also loses McDonald (no surprise of course but it still means something).

I concede the map does looks good for Kolding though I struggle to have that much between him and Cascadian.

Hugh Bowman legs aboard for the first time and should find a spot in the running line.

His last three starts have seen him narrowly beaten in a George Ryder, won a Doncaster and was narrowly beaten in the All Aged.

Sure he's unlikely to be screwed right down but James clearly worked him out last preparation and if he returns in similar form he should go very close on Saturday.

In the Midway the Gary Portelli trained Arctic Thunder looks well placed to go back to back.

She only just missed for us in this grade two back and while rising 3.5kg off that, her win last start still leaves her well placed.

A dominant victor at Randwick (K) she appreciated getting back onto a firm track and her sectionals suggested she has more to come.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings she looks well treated, Berry sticks and should be able to find a spot midfield from the inside draw.

With 4-1 the best price around she still looks a more than worthy gamble.

The RnS computer will certainly be betting up it's marked her $2.75 on Saturday.

Simon Dinopoulos' Tips:

Race 3 #4 Arctic Thunder @ $5.00

Race 8 #3 Cascadian  @ $10