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Paul Stuart believes Jeff Britton's Star Recall is the strongest chance for Saturday’s Group 1 Sky Racing Perth Cup Final (530m) but thinks his charge Astronomize is also a contender.
Stuart faces a busy night at Cannington, with exciting newcomer Astronomize (box two, $3 with Sportsbet), dangerous Quartz Bale in box four ($7.50) and recent Group 3 WA Young Star Classic winner Starlight Jack (box seven, $10) representing his kennel in the $140,000-to-the-winner decider.
All three have claims but may be chasing the tail of standout sprinter Star Recall, who looks to have drawn ideally in box one for the final and is a (2.70) favourite.
Trainer Stuart said Astronomize, who took time honours in last week’s semi-finals with a sparkling 30.05 run, was his best hope.
“At the prices they are there is not much between the three of them, but I would stick to the inside draw with Astronomize,” he said.
“Last week he did everything right and had a good early section (from box four) which set him up.
“I think this box draw is a help rather than a hindrance and he is a chance.
“Realistically I think it is Star Recall’s race to lose. Going from the inside she will have plenty of room and it’s worth everything to have box one in these big races.”
It is hard to look beyond Star Recall, who has won seven of her last 10 starts and is a quality chaser.
Quartz Bale has drawn unfavourably but ran 30.12 and has been one of WA’s best sprinters since debuting in September.
Although Star Recall is the clear favourite, claims can be made for all the contenders, with even $31 shot Xtreme Knocka (box five, pictured) not completely out of contention.
My Bro Fabio's time of 30.54 in the heats was nothing flash but the experienced chaser is always a threat and could take advantage of any trouble from box eight.
Meanwhile, super stayer Space Star looks a huge chance to take out Saturday night’s Group 1 Sky Racing Galaxy (715m) at Cannington.
Space Star zoomed home in semi-final best of 41.57 and Robbie Britton’s charge looks in peak form after winning the recent Group 3 Summer Distance Plate at Wentworth Park.
With local hope Takahashi’s scratching the main danger looks like Lady Toy (box one), who is also in good form and ran a strong 41.84 last week.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Sky Racing Perth Cup box draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Star Recall ($2.70) 2. Astronomize ($3) 3. Whodat Knockin ($34) 4. Quartz Bale ($7.50) 5. Xtreme Knocka ($31) 6. Downlight ($21)7. Starlight Jack ($10) 8. My Bro Fabio ($4.20). Reserves: Cosmic Wise, Gone To Heaven.
Sky Racing Galaxy box draw: 1. Lady Toy ($2.90) 2. Blinker's On ($9) 3. Expect A Guess ($16) 4 My Mate Cobber ($5.30) 5. Tangier ($31) 6. Starc ($41) 7. Space Star ($1.90) 8. Ash Flash ($31) Reserve: Fachoong.
Odds correct at time of writing.
