Virgin Mary Stakes G1

Welcome to Queensland for one of the biggest days of racing . I am once again joined by Mick Dittman for his expert comments on the two big races i will be covering . Here we look at the Virgin Mary Stakes G1
A mile and one quarter Firm Turf $500,000 Fillies and mares, 4 years old and up . A field of 11 great the starter here the runners are in the mounting yard . The jockeys are coming out for their instructions . Lets take a look at the runners .

PP1 MISWAKI’S LAST xanthu3 R Guyo 5/1

Trained by one of ATC,s finest trainers worldview this mare has been ultra consistent in stakes and graded racing around this distance 10 wins from 16 starts is an awesome record and should stand her in good steed here. Talking to the trainer he was hoping for a little moisture in the track but that has not eventuated . But he think the firm track and the extra 1/2 furlong should not hinder his chances . will try to sit just of pace and finish on in stretch.

Mick,s comments : I saw this mare race in Victoria 3 starts back against a reasonable field she won with a bit in hand and has handled the jump up to grade racing well since . I think the extra distance will help her as she always runs on has a top young jockey on and definitely will be in my top 3.

PP2 GENEROUS JEWEL(IRE) superfecta J Dowell 29/1

Locally trained runner who’s form seems to have tapered of in recent months . A well bred 4yrold who has had 10 wins he has 3 wins on course so can not be totally disregarded another who may have been looking for the sting out of the track. Will race handy to the pace.

Mick,s comments : Although i admire dowelly a lot its hard to see this mare improving enough to figure in the finish here odds say she has little chance.

PP3 EMPIRE REEF lenny13 M Radke 9/2

Second favourite here she has mixed her racing between dirt and turf she has a stylish record on doth surfaces and from 3 starts this distance on turf has a win a second and a fourth in graded races . She is to be ridden by the in form jockey M Radke who has been on fire in recent meetings . She is the winner of $2,254,611 in her career to date . This is her 1st venture to Australia so if the travel has not affected her she should be a great chance here.

Mick,s comments : I really like her runs on grass have only seen the video’s but her win in G2-Big Time Handicap in New York beating DEVIL’S SLIDE was pretty impressive . If she has taken no harm from the flight over should take a lot of beating.

PP4 A PERFECT SUNDAY unshaded99 C Wyatt 6/1

Nice SADLER’S WELLS 5yrold mare who has the services of Queenslands finest C Wyatt on board . Has 3 great wins in last 3 starts and has put paid to some top opposition including some multi $million earners. 6/1 odds seem pretty generous .Loves 10f and will settle midfield and try to run them down late and as the 5th ranked turf classic mare in the world and the top jock up may well beat them all.

Mick,s comments : I have been very impressed with this mare so far and cant see her finding this any tougher than her recent outings . Her trainer  dundey has a great reputation and should have her cherry ripe for this.

PP5 COLD STORAGE springtime T Cox 9/1

Talented mare ranked #2 in the world has had a rest since her formed tapered of a bit in last campaign . With a record of 31 13 6 5 $4,214,178 she is indeed a wonderful mare and with short brake may have freshened for this trainer bigrick from the Minnesota Downs res. knows how to get the right and i can see this mare bouncing back to her glory days. Likes to run on the pace and will take a lot of catching.

Mick,s comments : It was not that long ago she won the G1-Breeders Bowl Turf Distaff and i think she will come back to that form. Remember “form is temporary class is permanent” a great chance and a cagey jockey.

PP6 TREE SPIRIT anymore V Hull 9/1

A WOODMAN mare who has improved as the distances get further a graded winner at this journey but may just find some of these a little tough a G1 level sure to be there or there about’s at the finishing line though . Will trail leaders and hope for big finish in stretch.

Mick,s comments : I liked her run here for 2nd seven starts back in the G1-Black Gold Stakes over 10f they didn’t run a great time but her effort behind the now retired JOE’S ANGELS was pretty good and a repeat will see her go close in this. Has run some pretty good races since.

PP7 NORTHERN PULP theogbarn S DeBerg 4/1

Ruling favourite this relatively lightly raced 4yrold has breeding we all would love to have PULPIT x NORTHERN DANCER x BUCKPASSER she has won 12 from 18 and 7 in a row from the robsscoobi empire of stables this mare has meet and beaten every challenge put before her in her career including jumping up in grade in last 2 starts . She faces another challenge here with the step to G1 and her first run a 10f but it hard to see her not passing this hurdle too. Has run last 5 races in 100+ sps and has 11wins and a second from 13 races on turf.

Mick,s comments : I would love to still be riding when you see mares of this quality it’s her 1st journey outside America and that is the only question mark here . Running on in all her starts and she is my pick in very even field.

PP8 JUNK COLLECTOR(IRE) runshilohb T Phillips 7/1

Another nice 4yrold mare who has only won 3 races to date but last 2 starts in graded company have been superb so she is yet another who can be expected to make her presence felt she is also from the robsscoobi group of stables and gives him a strong hand in this race along with the favourite adds to the puzzle.

Mick,s comments : A closer who will take a lot of beating with all the pace in this field may divebomb them all she gives her trainer a strong hand in this.

PP9 NORSE PRINCESS ninerdust D Venn

Yet another SADLER’S WELLS mare from the very experienced lsumark stables she has 13 win from 27 starts has not been out of the money in last 14 starts including 9 wins has worked her way through allowance racing to record a great win in G3-Dodge This Stakes over 10f last time out maturing well at 5yrold and may get even better here.

Mick,s comments : Looking strong in the parade ring she has blossomed into a lovely mare has a very inexperienced jockey and he will have to be at his best to get her home in this race.

PP10 PRABHA(AUS) united P Guyton 12/1

Locally trained mare by the legend stretch he has been a great supporter of the Queensland residency and i would love to see him get the win here . But this once top 2yrold has lost form and route runs to date have been average has flashed speed in racing and may handle longer racing well her sire TESTA ROSSA (AUS) is noted for producing turf routers so it will be interesting to see if she can step up over 10f.

Mick,s comments : Mate stretch is a legend around here alright i loved watching this filly run as a 2yrold and said to him a try over more ground would be worth a go hope it works she to good to drop off form like this.

PP11 ODARP LE AZROC(IRE) jarrod5 C Simien 31/1

Rank outsider trained locally by another great supporter of Queensland res. corza beautifully breed EL PRADO(IRE) x KINGMAMBO x STORM CAT mare who has mixed surfaces and distances well performed runner who may find this a little bit strong maybe better suited to stakes racing at this stage of her career but you don’t know until you try so worth running her here.

Mick,s comments : I would have to agree that stakes racing may suit her better she is only 4yrsold and well breed will improve as she gets older and with that breeding will make great broodmare.