3 minute read

There is more than just Group 1 glory on the line in Australia’s two Guineas races.

Often it can be smart for punters to pay attention to who needs to win a particular race.

Connections of all horses in Saturday's Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington would love to win the Group 1 race, but some need it more than others.

For any of the colts, victory means much more than the $600,000 winner's cheque.

Hitotsu (Maurice), Captivant (Capitalist) and Profondo (Deep Impact) have already won at the highest level, but a Guineas win would be displayed more prominently on their stallion brochure than their existing achievements.

For the remaining colts, Forgot You (Savabeel), Lightsaber (Zoustar), Ranch Hand (Fastnet Rock), Rhinoceros (Vadamos), Spirit Of Gaylard (Puissance De Lune), Prix De Turn (Turn Me Loose) and Pascero (Pierro), victory would set them up as stallions-in-waiting.

Big-name stallions Zabeel, Flying Spur, Pins, Reset, Al Maher and Shamus Award are just some of the colts who have won the renowned 'stallion-making' race.

There is another $1 million Group 1 Guineas in Australia this Saturday, at Randwick in Sydney, where Anamoe (Street Boss) is the headline act.

His future at stud is assured, but victory would afford Godolphin the opportunity to boast that he has joined superstars Weekend Hussler and The Autumn Sun – now an in-demand stallion at Arrowfield – as the only horses to complete the Caulfield Guineas/Randwick Guineas double.

Hilal (Fastnet Rock), Military Expert (Redoute's Choice), Royalzel (Snitzel), War Eternal (Pierro) and Sword Point (American Pharoah) are other colts engaged in the Randwick Guineas.

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