- Speed map, runner-by-runner-comments and verdict for the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield
Speed map
Runner-by-runner
1 Jungle Edge (Mick Bell/Michael Poy)
Barrier 14, 58.5kg
Drawn out here which looks an advantage. Ran well two starts ago when allowed to bowl along in front. The wetter the better.
“Jungle Edge in front, loves the mud, eats it for breakfast and wins by a length!”
What else do you say? Jungle Edge LOVES THE MUD! pic.twitter.com/roYBnHof2n
— Racing.com (@Racing) 24 November 2018
2 Malibu Style (Neville Parnham/Chris Parnham)
Barrier 3, 58.5kg
Ran well behind Jungle Edge two starts ago. Returned to best down the straight last start on the quick back-up. Will be thereabouts.
3 Bandipur (Richard Laming/Craig Williams)
Barrier 10, 58.5kg
Consistent type who races well here. Had a short break and returns for new trainer.
4 Ken’s Dream (Maher & Eustace/Jye McNeil)
Barrier 2, 58.5kg
Resumes off long spell. Only one run off previous prep. Has trialled okay but will probably improve with run.
5 Spending To Win (Peter & Paul Snowden/Beau Mertens)
Barrier 8, 58.5kg
Racing okay but needs to improve off recent runs.
6 Oak Door (John Sadler/Ben Melham)
Barrier 11, 58.5kg
Resuming off long spell. Long time since a win, think will improve with run.
7 Hard Empire (Jolly & Jolly/Joe Bowditch)
Barrier 12, 58.5kg
Has good ratings around this distance. Never looked likely last start when couldn’t get to right spot. Drawn out which looks a positive.
8 I Thought So (Peter & Paul Snowden/Luke Currie)
Barrier 13, 58.5kg
Done nothing either run this prep off long spell, albeit on heavy tracks. Happy to risk until it shows something.
9 Heart Conquered (Team Hawkes/Dwayne Dunn)
Barrier 5, 58kg
Racing well on wetter ground, but has performed on drier surfaces. Solid claims here.
10 Princess Of Queens (Price & Kent/Jamie Kah)
Barrier 6, 56.5kg
No luck last start. Given short break. Has run well previously but not sure if going as well here.
11 Miss Norway (John Sadler/Michael Dee)
Barrier 1, 56.5kg
Speedy filly who lacks the class.
12 All About Nicci (Kym Hann/James Winks)
Barrier 7, 56.5kg
Honest mare but rising a lot in class here.
13 Soothing (James Cummings/Linda Meech)
Barrier 4, 56.5kg
Resumes here. Ran well here in the spring without much luck. Resumes off lengthy spell. Doesn’t have to run to best to be competitive here.
14 Crack The Code (Price & Kent/Michael Walker)
Barrier 9, 56kg
Three-year-old filly who resumes here. Good bank of ratings and gets preferred ground.
Verdict
Jungle Edge and Bandipur are on top for me. Value-wise, Jungle Edge is around about the right price and its chances will improve with more rain, so might be the one to watch.
