AFT CABIN LAUNCHES AUTUMN ASSAULT
Promising three-year-old colt AFT CABIN kicks off his 2023 campaign ahead of the imminent Autumn Carnival in Saturday’s $200,000 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick Raccourse, Australia.
The James Cummings-trained up-and-comer is first-up after his win in the Group 3 $300,000 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on 17 September last year. On that occasion, he jumped well and held a forward position, leading by a narrow margin into the straight but lengthening stylishly once let go and drawing away by a decisive 3.5 lengths. It was to be AFT CABIN’S second career win at start number four, with the Godolphin-owner youngster asserting himself as an emerging star on the rise into this year.
The query for AFT CABIN this week is first-up over 1200m with bigger fish to fry as he gets deeper into his preparation, however on class alone – and possessing an electric turn-of-foot – he looks the clear stand out. Trainer John O’Shea’s three-year-old colt, ZOU TIGER, is expected to give AFTER CABIN the most work to do, the pair dominating the early betting markets.
MILLER’S LIVIN’ THE DREAM
Thriving three-year-old filly CRYSTAL’S DREAM can complete a fourth straight win contesting the $60,000 Special Conditions Handicap over 1800m from Ascot Racecourse, Australia, on Saturday.
CRYSTAL’S DREAM debuted in June 2022 with a promising third place before spelling for five months where she went one place better resuming in late November. Since then, the Jason Miller-trained daughter of Mahuta has found none better, posting a hat-trick of wins while demonstrating likeable tactical versatility.
This week, CRYSTAL’S DREAM will stretch to 1800m for the first time in her career, however with the aforementioned ability to be ridden on the lead or off the pace, she can take it all in her stride and continue her winning ways.
RULE WITH A VELVET GLOVE
In-form four-year-old mare THE VELVET QUEEN is primed to land a double in the $100,000 The Ascot Mile at Ascot racecourse this Saturday.
THE VELVET QUEEN has been a consistent type since day one, winning six times and being further placed seven times from 16 starts. Two starts ago, the Universal Ruler mare outperformed her ratings to finish a meritorious second in the G3 LA Trice before franking that form with an impressive over 1500m at this track last time out.
This week, THE VELVET QUEEN is well placed against a similar field and with top jockey Chris Parnham remaining on board, she can prove hard to beat jumping from a decent draw.
