STANDISH HANDICAP
Results
Graeme Begg to the fore in the day's feature with a strong looking 1-2 punch. VESPERTINE (4) has been kept on ice since winning really well here over Cup week. If she can repeat that then she is the one they will have to beat. Stablemate ROSE QUARTZ (8) hasn't been quite so good but she has been consistent and similarly she has shown a liking for the straight course. 1200m can be the real key for her. Terrific record at the trip and she has been begging for it in recent runs over shorter. 1200m will be on the short side for WESTERN EMPIRE (1) who is a Group One winner over a mile. He creates plenty of interest though with his Perth peaks outstanding for this. Didn't fire in the spring but he was hardly terrible in two runs at the top level. Fellow West Australian INDIAN PACIFIC (3) comes back across to Flemington where he was placed twice in two attempts including a Newmarket. Still racing well. HALVORSEN (2) has won this twice including last year. He's respected.
Visit TAB.COM.AUGraeme Begg to the fore in the day's feature with a strong looking 1-2 punch. VESPERTINE (4) has been kept on ice since winning really well here over Cup week. If she can repeat that then she is the one they will have to beat. Stablemate ROSE QUARTZ (8) hasn't been quite so good but she has been consistent and similarly she has shown a liking for the straight course. 1200m can be the real key for her. Terrific record at the trip and she has been begging for it in recent runs over shorter. 1200m will be on the short side for WESTERN EMPIRE (1) who is a Group One winner over a mile. He creates plenty of interest though with his Perth peaks outstanding for this. Didn't fire in the spring but he was hardly terrible in two runs at the top level. Fellow West Australian INDIAN PACIFIC (3) comes back across to Flemington where he was placed twice in two attempts including a Newmarket. Still racing well. HALVORSEN (2) has won this twice including last year. He's respected.
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First-up (3:1-0-1): Pacifiers on. Already a winner in this class and this easier than last start. First-up last time he was 5th 3.6L, Snapdancer at Caulfield (Memsie Stakes, WFA-G1) 1400m. Must consider.
On Dec 26 he finished 9th 3.6L, Jigsaw at Sandown-Hillside (Christmas Stakes, Listed) 1100m. Two starts back was 4th 2.7L, Joyful Fortune at Flemington (Century Stakes, SWP-LR) 1000m. Keep in mind.
Has placed 2 times in last four starts and can be in the finish here. Most recently was 5th 2.1L, How's The Serenity at Ascot (Summer Scorcher, Listed) 1000m. Two runs back was 16th 12.2L, Paulele at Ascot (Winterbottom Stakes, WFA-G1) 1200m. Winning chance.
First-up (5:1-1-1): First-up last prep she was 7th 2.9L, Literary Magnate at Caulfield (Northwood Plume Stakes, MS-G3) 1200m. Include in chances.
First-up (7:2-1-2): Resumes here and capable fresh (2-3-7). Resuming last prep was 3rd 0.7L, Emerald Kingdom at Rockhampton (WFA) 1300m. Can go close.
On Dec 3 he finished 6th 3.8L, Pal D'Oro at Pakenham (SW&P) 1400m. On Oct 21 he finished 2nd 1.3L, Winning Partner at Moonee Valley (SW&P) 1500m. A lesser chance.
Last run solid run when 5th 2.2L, Jigsaw at Sandown-Hillside (Christmas Stakes, Listed) 1100m. Two starts back he finished 7th 4.3L, Ashford Street at Flemington (Kensington Stakes, Listed) 1000m. Place hopes best.
Holding form and track and distance suit (2 wins). Last start good run when 3rd 0.9L, Jigsaw at Sandown-Hillside (Christmas Stakes, Listed) 1100m. Two runs back was 4th 1.5L, Ashford Street at Flemington (Kensington Stakes, Listed) 1000m. Expect bold effort.
Blinkers on. Most recently solid effort when 7th 2.9L, Nicolini Vito at Flemington (Open) 1400m. On Dec 3 he finished 1st 0.8L, Corner Pocket at Pakenham (BM-100) 1200m. Could be value.
Most recently he finished 5th 5.6L, Dance To Dubai at Moonee Valley (BM-84) 1200m. Two runs back solid effort when he finished 6th 2.9L, Diamonds at Morphettville (Christmas Handicap, Listed) 1200m. Needs to improve.
Winner here two starts back keeps in contention. Last time out was 7th 2.5L, Invincible Caviar at Flemington (BM-84) 1200m. Before that was 1st 0.8L, Najem Suhail at Flemington (BM-80) 1100m. Genuine chance.
Last start solid run when he finished 2nd 2.8L, Dance To Dubai at Moonee Valley (BM-84) 1200m. Two starts back he finished 6th 5.1L, Mnementh at Ballarat (BM-100) 1200m. Not keen this race.