AJ Scahill Stakes Preview

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Thu 1 December, 2011

On paper, it looks a race in two and thankfully the class of the race is held up by these same two runners. Without them I'm afraid it would be another version of the Peter's Stakes, which was an average affair.

Waratah's Secret and Grand Nirvana really should dominate here. Both are proven at weight for age and the rest are going to struggle with the conditions, barring possibly Elusive Touch, which was a great run in the Winterbottom.

Waratah's Secret will get the front with very little pressure here. Elusive Touch has historically jumped very smartly and will probably end up in the breeze by default. With blinkers remaining off Waratah's Secret, he may well settle much better here and not necessarily run them along at breakneck speed, as is his usual custom. Elusive Touch is a query at the 1400m, but if they can get it easy up front, that variable goes out the window and his run in the Winterbottom suggests he could just outsprint them from the breeze.

Grand Nirvana jumped exceptionally well in the Winterbottom, before having to restrain back to get cover. Wtih Rawiller on, a massive riding positive, he is capable of reeling off low 34 sectionals to over run the leaders. He's a massive chance and should be closer in price to Waratah's Secret. Put a line through Avante's run in the same race, just how she ended up wide no cover from barrier 3 is beyond me. Her form does taper after her first two runs back from a spell, so the bird may have flown for her. Tarzi, Ego's Dare and Grey Monarch are either past it or outclassed.

Tips: Grand Nirvana, Waratah's Secret and Elusive Touch.

Suggested Bet: Grand Nirvana each way and a saver on Elusive Touch with $12 available.