The $150,000, Group 3, MRC PFD Food Services Monash Stakes (1100m) is often the starting point for many quality sprinters commencing a mid-winter cum early-spring campaign and this weekend’s renewal is no different.
The major race of interest on this Saturday’s Caulfield program in Melbourne, the 2017 version of the contest is set to see six of the 10 acceptors compete first-up from a spell — including the first four in the early market of Bluebet.com.au.
In particular, topweight Lord Of The Sky, No. 5 saddlecloth Murt The Flirt and Supido (No.7) haven’t faced the starter for a matter of months, yet the trio dominant betting as the only horses set to contest the black-type event currently quoted at single-figure odds.
BlueBet CEO Michael Sullivan reports that Supido has been a very well backed favourite and noted that the Mick Kent-trained stallion has an exceptional first-up record.
“Supido took on the best sprinters in Australia last preparation with runs in the Lightning Stakes, Challenge Stakes and The Galaxy, so this is certainly a good drop down in class and punters are happy to be on him,” said Sullivan.
“He has been rock solid in betting at $2.15 and I expect him to be our worst result of the day if he salutes on Saturday.
“I am happy to take him on though, as he will get back in the field and Caulfield can be a graveyard for swoopers.”
Sullivan added that Lord Of The Sky, a galloper returning from nigh-on 12-month absence from competition, was also well in commission at $5.50, along with the Darren Weir-trained Chocolate Holic at $4.80.
“Lord Of The Sky is returning to the track after failing to find a home at stud and I am sure he will have support given he has won six times at Caulfield,” Sullivan observed.
“I would be shocked if anything can cross Lord Of The Sky given he has drawn the inside gate, and he may well prove tough for Supido and the others to catch.”
Of the roughies, Sullivan said there had been some small support for General Truce ($26) and O’Malley ($16) at big odds.
The involvement of Daytona Grey should not be overlooked by punters either. Trained in Adelaide by the Leon Macdonald-Andrew Gluyas partnership, the veteran sprinter is the only ride of the day for stable jockey Claire Lindop.
Kept safe by BlueBet at a quote of $15.00, the rising 8-year-old’s chances will increase appreciably if any substantial rain turns the Caulfield track in to a Soft or Heavy racing surface.
