3 minute read
Does the richly talented Malaguerra realise his potential or will the proven big-race ability of Kermadec prevail?
This is how form expert Gary Crispe of Racing And Sports views the Group 1 $600,000 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Sydney's final Group 1 race of the season has only eight starters and Crispe said the lack of genuine speed in the All Aged Stakes make the race outcome difficult to predict.
However, Crispe pointed out that 2015 Doncaster Mile winner Kermadec is the highest-rated Timeform runner in the field sitting on 125 but the Chris Waller-trained gelding could be disadvantaged by lack of race tempo.
"Kermadec usually gets back in his races and from the outside draw he will have little option but to do that again,'' Crispe said.
"Under those circumstances, Malaguerra who exhibits a rapidly-spiralling Timeform ratings profile could be the horse to beat.
"The lack of any recognised pace could set the race up for those gallopers who will race handy and Malaguerra looks the most adaptable.''
Trained by Lee and Anthony Freedman, Malaguerra has developed into a sprinter with obvious potential this season, winning six of his seven starts including successive stakes wins this preparation.
"Malaguerra easily accounted for his rivals down the Flemington straight 1000m in a Listed race before he lined up in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill which he won easily running to a new Timeform peak rating of 117,'' Crispe said.
"He has taken small steps in his Timeform ratings profile each time he has stepped out since being under the care of the Freedman's, winning eight of his 12 races for the stable.
"With the advantage of racing on the speed combined with his exciting turn of foot, I am banking on Malaguerra taking another step on Saturday.''
Waller has won 15 Group 1 races already this season and he has a strong hand in the All Aged Stakes with Kermadec and race favourite Press Statement.
"Kermadec will be having his fourth run back and was tracking beautifully for a peak effort in the Doncaster Mile but failed to get into the race and ran last,'' Crispe said.
"A thorough veterinary examination subsequently revealed Kermadec was suffering from a back issue but he has been passed fit to run.
"If he finds his best form in the All Aged, then Malaguerra will have a battle on his hands.
"Press Statement is an outstanding three-year-old specifically set for this race and he has the form on the board to be competitive.
"He has a peak Timeform rating of 120 he recorded winning the Caulfield Guineas last spring and although he has raced well in three runs this campaign, he is yet to reach that level again.
"But his effort when third to Winx and Kermadec in the George Ryder Stakes was very good and he returned a 119 rating. Significantly, he can race up on the speed which will be very handy on Saturday.''
Online article taken from The Courier Mail.