The Key Factors - Civic Stakes
Published: 04 Jul 2014
The weather is forecast to be fine, and with a Good track almost guaranteed, Friday form reading can be carried out with some confidence ahead of tomorrow's meeting at Rosehill Gardens. The main race of the day, the Civic Stakes, is a tricky event with some interesting angles to look at in the quest for a winner.
The Race Guide analyst team was asked to investigate the event in detail. So who are the key chances and what factors will decide the result?
Class
The Graham Begg trained mare Bennetta comes into the race after two solid performances over the Brisbane winter carnival. She steps back in grade for this event and has performed well on the wide expanses of Rosehill before.
Well performed - Bennetta before the All Aged Stakes
Her key strength is the ability to finish strongly, but the 'Type Guide' shows a couple of weaknesses to be cautious of too.
- Features -> Strong Finisher
- Weaknesses -> Average Jump & Can Over-race
Source: Type Guide for Bennetta
Tactical Speed
Chris Waller must have been watching the movie 'Sea Biscuit', because he has got older galloper Tromso jumping from the barrier like a gazelle. The ability to come across and lead quickly, settle under restraint, and then kick again in the straight makes him a chance in most races he goes around in.
Quick to jump - Tromso before his brave 4th behind Scream Machine last week (photo: 28/6/14)
Athleticism
Yes they are all athletes, but some horses just show that extra bit in their races to suggest that when the chips are down, they are clean winded enough to keep fighting on. Taxmeifyoucan is one of those gallopers. Built on a leaner frame than many of his foes here, he is able to maintain his stride when the more powerful types start to feel the pinch.
An athletic type - Taxmeifyoucan before his last start 2nd behind Scream Machine (photo: 14/6/14)
Acceleration
With the favourite likely to get back, a horse closer to the speed with strong acceleration could be the key to getting a win. The Cummings trained The Peak ran ok at unsuitable short distances in his last couple of events. The key here is that the extra distance will help him produce his strength, a rapid sprint at the top of the straight.
Ready to sprint - The Peak before his first-up assignment at Royal Randwick (photo: 7/6/14)
Scope
Chris Waller can master most gallopers, but Tougher Than Ever is proving a difficult one to work out. He remains a stallion, which explains his often less than genuine racing style, a frustration for many that back him. There is no doubt that he has the talent to surprise us all with a dominant performance one day. Until then, it is just a question of having faith in Waller to find the key.
Still learning - Tougher Than Ever before his last start. He led before finishing 4th behind Scream Machine and Taxmeifyoucan (photo: 14/6/14)
Barrier
Generalife has kept on stepping up this campaign and after beating subsequent winner You'll Never last start, he deserves a shot at this race. Overall, the form is a level below the others and the key factor that will help him win looks to be the perfect barrier and a nice run mid-race. As Tromso, Capital Commander and Tougher Than Ever search for the lead early, the big Darley galloper will be able to stride along nicely just off the pace.
A professional - Generalife before his last start win over You'll Never (photo: 14/6/14)
The Verdict
The ability to produce a 'turn-of-foot' can be the key to winning closely matched races. The Peak looks like the value in the race and don't dismiss Bennetta and Taxmeifyoucan.
