Placid Ark Stakes Preview

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Fri 25 November, 2011

The listed Placid Ark Stakes looks a shallow affair on paper.

Night War was posted the $2.20 favourite early but unlike at her first outing this campaign, those odds were quickly snapped up and she is now a shade of odds on.

Its hard to see her not leading here with very little other pace in the race outside of Flying Affair. Lindsey Smith's Heritage filly has had six weeks between runs, after leading and battling on well to finish second in the Belgravia Stakes. Paul Harvey goes aboard and he has won leading on her before, but one would think he'll be looking to do something different here. Sitting outside Night War may be a futile exercise. While not doubting his ability, he will either have to go to the breeze, or risk being trapped wide.

Gracetown tried hard first up but was no match for Night War. He meets her worse at the weights here, and even with improvement in fitness, its hard to see him beating her. Watermans Bay was disappointing first up but can improve.

Venetian Prince has had no luck at two runs this campaign, taken off at the bend first up then having to weave for runs behind Ron's Call. The only negative is that he may get back on the fence.

The wheels have fallen off In Eden's Honour and Western Fever.

Night War, Venetian Prince, Flying Affair.

Suggested Bet: Night War at evens or better.