RJ Peters Preview

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Fri 11 November, 2011

The RJ Peters this year is a disappointing affair with the two top horses Playing God and Grand Nirvana weighted out of contention. For a Group III, its an average looking lot with Dino Mak and Tarzi well beyond their best, the only horses with any group success. Beyond that we have a few listed winners and a few up-and-comers in Westriver Kevydon and Tranquility.

The saving grace is that there should be good pace between Westriver Kevydon and Ringmeister, who blew the start in the Northam Cup and still managed to lead and set a good pace. Those two should be up the front and rolling along. This will suit Rafferty, Tranquility and Xaaravid.

Rafferty was buried back in the field in the Northam Cup and probably wasn't suited weaving his way through. He likes to wind up down the outside and build his momentum. I'd have thought tranquility would be up to a mile or beyond by now, but perhaps programming hasn't allowed that. She has ground home nicely at three runs but I think Rafferty has the more brilliant sprint for a race like this. You have to be wary of the Williams/Pike/Peters combination though as they are winning races in the most unbelievable way at present.

Xaaravid is a chance to knock them out on his best form, but is well behind Rafferty, Tranquility and even Westriver Kevydon for me. His run at Northam was OK but I expected his last 50m to be better.

Westriver Kevydon is the surprise packet here as equal favourite. Despite that, his form has been sensational and last time out, he ran time. I just cant have him winning the RJ Peters however.

Grey Monarch was also a good run in the Asian Beau, tramping wide and finishing along side some of the fancies here.

Provided they get along in front, which they should, Rafferty is clearly on top for me and then a line ball between Tranquility and Westriver Kevydon although the latter is a big risk at the price.