Hard Deputy Stakes

The HARD DEPUTY Stakes, sees a field of eight, very smart mares put to the test over 7f (1400m) on a turf track. With no rain forecast, we can expect these mares to run some very quick sectionals on the firm track in drought stricken Victoria. The purse of $85,000 should mean that no horse is in this race just for the run, and we should see a competitive race. Let’s have a look at the field:

PP1: GENNA LOU HOO 5/2

A very nice money spinner for connections naracing1, GENNA LOU HOO has been one of the punters favorites in recent times but always seems to run into something better on the day. A versatile galloper, she has performed well on both track types, but this prep the trainer has kept her exclusively to the turf, having performed quite well with 3 placings out of 4 runs in similar company. Form and SP# are definitely up to this class and look for her to be making her run at the top of the straight, from the back of the field. Also has preformed well in graded company this time. Deservedly equal favorite.

PP2: APTISPECT 9/1

This 4yo Aptitude mare from the mrfu2 ran a really nice race last time out in stakes company over the 7.5f range. She is a horse that likes to race up on the speed and should get a nice sit behind the leaders from gate 2. Unfortunately there is going to be quite a lot of pace coming from some of the outside gates and she will have to be on her toes to stay in touch with them. A very much underrated jockey in N.Fagan takes the mount and should have no trouble gaining a box seat potion. I think the bookies could have been a bit more generous than 9/1. Will try hard.

PP3: RED MISS 40/1

The long shot of the field, Red Miss is lightly raced. In fact only breaking her maiden status 4 starts ago. Since than she has won a NW2L Alw with a SP# of 78, and ran in stakes company last start without much success. Her form is very scattered, so it may pay to watch this time round rather than put you’re hard earned on at those odds against some of these seasoned mares.

PP4: HOLLOW HAWK(GB) 6/1

Ran a good race last time out in an open Alw, when beaten by 1 and a half lengths over the slightly longer journey. On recent form she would be hard to take, with her stakes runs being only average, but if you look back 6 races ago, she won a similar race to this one with a SP# of 96. That run was nearly a year ago but with a top jock on and a bit of last years form, we could see a bold showing. One for the multiples.

PP5: BARCALICUS 8/1

This horse really likes to fly out of the gates. Her last effort was a really good one, leading all the way only to get run down on the wire. The downside is that it was run in quite slow time and was only against 3 other runners. She is a horse that is always around the money and is never beaten by a long margin, but with the early speed in this race we can only hope she doesn’t get left behind at the start.

PP6: LANCASTER(IRE) 5/1

This well breed High Chaparral mare has not been to far away in recent runs. She likes to be up near the lead in her races and has really been putting in some top SP#. The only concern is the drop back in distance today as she seems like a horse that might be looking for more ground. She’s always in the market and today is no exception. Hard to leave out.  

PP7: SEEKING GLORY 5/2

Owner/trainer peeps5 has prepared this superbly breed mare to the minute for this race. She is at her pet distance of 7f and looks to have had a nice little break between runs. She has laid out some really nice SP# in recent times, over this distance in 103 and 97. The drought is no help to this horse as a bit of rain would have helped her cause even further. Look for her to go to the front and keep going. The main danger.

PP8: PEDRO’S ASSAULT(IRE) 5/1

Pedro’s Assault is a horse looking to make it 4 wins in a row. Coming off the back of 2 claiming wins and terrific win at stakes level last start, this horse has made a huge form turn-around, under the guidance of new trainer peter12. Last start she proved she is up to this class and may not have hit her best form yet. At those odd she is a big chance of upsetting her much fancied rivals.

Whisper from the wizard (value bet):

Well, in a fairly open affair I believe that our winner will bring us a bit of value in the betting ring. Pedro’s Assault is a horse on the up. Her form in lower classes has been excellent, and she is going to get the run of the race, sitting about midfield off the hot pace out in front. Each way or on the nose, either way you are going to get value for your sim bucks.