Flemington Racing: The Gilgai Stakes Preview 2018

Distance	1200m
Grade	Group 2
Track Rating	Good 4
Prizemoney	$200,000
Class	3yo & Up, SW + P (Maidens Ineligible)
2017 winner	Keen Array ($8)

 

The Gilgai Stakes gives those sprinting types who are just below top grade, an excellent opportunity to pick-up stakes money down the famed Flemington straight.

This year's edition has attracted a number of runners who are looking to kick off their Spring campaigns and could be more focused on targets over further ground, later in the Melbourne carnival.

The race does look to have a genuine tempo present and with the rail out 9m, expect the field to stay on the flat side for this 1200m dash.

 

 Race Flemington Track Traits

For the latest insight into how the Flemington track is expected to play, read our preview of the Turnbull Stakes here. 

 

 Racing Market Movers

Bons Away is the one punters want early, having been backed from an opening quote of $10 all the way into $6.50. Others who are fancied in early betting are First Among Equals and Dothraki who are both $8.50 into $6.50, and Dreamforce ($9 into $7). 

 

 Key Runners

#1 Dothraki $8.50 > $6.50

Shocked a few when winning the Bobbie Lewis here second-up at good odds ($14) over this distance.

This is a much deeper race and he will likely be further back on this occasion throughout the run.

Simply won't get the favours he experienced last start, and looks well under the odds at the current $7.00 quote in betting. No. 

 

#3 Perast $7

Looks to have a class edge on most of these following an impressive Brisbane Winter campaign, where he chalked up two wins at stakes grade before finishing midfield in the Stradbroke.

This is not his ideal distance, however he does have 1200m form behind Menari as a 3YO and the Perry stable should have him fully wound up to sprint fresh.

Love the draw in gate 4 with the rail out 9m, as they should be happy to travel down the inside rail at this stage of the day.

With natural early speed, he will bounce and be tucked in just behind the leaders before charging away late.

Has plenty on these and only needs to be forward in condition to win. Goes on top.

 

#4 Dreamforce $9 > $7

Has an ultra impressive first-up record (6:3-2-1) and will need to utilise that to be winning here.

Interesting the stable have chosen to kick off this campaign in Victoria with some big Spring plans likely this time in, which indicates he must be showing plenty at home.

He has possibly drawn the wrong side of the track for straight racing on Saturday with the rail out 9m, however can't get away from the fact they have made the effort to travel.

Leading chance.

 

#7 First Among Equals $8.50 > $6.50

Has a fitness edge with this being his third run back this prep and can take advantage in a race that does look to have good early speed engaged.

He will drop back to near last and need a touch of luck to weave through, however he will be extremely strong late.

Could run over the top of them if they go mad up front. Yes.

 

#8 Quilista $9.50

Drops in grade and will find this much easier than recent efforts, where at her latest she took on the smart Nature Strip.

She is best ridden on-speed and grinding them into the ground with a sustained high tempo sprint, and could find the lead here.

Slight concern being exposed out in front is not the place to be for straight racing on Saturday.

The preferred option will be to slot in just behind the leaders and from there, pounce in the last 50m. Top hope.

 

#9 Bons Away $10 > $6.50

Has been heavily backed in early betting markets ($10 into $6.50) and must be showing enough at home to warrant the strong support.

He had the flashing light on first-up, when he charged late down the outside to just miss at Caulfield in outstanding closing sectional times.

That performance is likely to have sparked punters' interest, however he looks well found now and rock bottom odds at $6.50 in a hot race. One to avoid. No.

 

#10 Eduardo $9.50

Impressed winning in country and midweek grade, before coming to town and just missing at Caulfield when 2 of 14 over 1,100m.

Clearly has talent, however lightly raced and this grade looks to have come too early for him where plenty will have him covered. No.

 

#11 I Am Excited $5.50

Has been racing in good grade and although stepping up to Group 2 level here, this race appears easier than her recent efforts, including a last start 4 of 13 in the How Now.

She has a nice fitness edge on a few of the leading fancies in betting and will get back in the ruck before storming late.

If the speed goes on, she is the one who will drop on them all late and win. Yes.

 

Of The Others

None preferred.

 

 Best Racing Tips

1^st  Perast

2^nd  I Am Excited 

3^rd  Dreamforce

4^th  Quilista