Gai’s Artist has a good chance in a competitive race. Last time, the filly by Snitzel weakened towards the end of a 1200m race at Canterbury, unable to keep up with the fitter Seascape and Maori Chief in the final stretch. She should improve from that run, and there was a clear gap between her and the rest of the field. With a favorable draw and likely to race up front again, she is well-rated in a race with plenty of early speed.
Agita will race in blinkers for the first time. The David Payne-trained gelding has been improving over shorter distances at Warwick Farm, Rosehill, and Kensington, finishing mid-pack in three attempts. Although he hasn’t won in over a year, he held his own in the Queensland Derby, finishing fifth after a late run. With a good draw and experienced jockey Jason Collett, they should make a strong late push in this race.
Watch My Girl just needs some luck from her wide barrier to be a contender in her second run back. The grey mare, sired by Japanese Group 1 winner Maurice, was impressive in her first-up win, coming from just off the pace to pull away and win by 2.5 lengths. She has handled the mile well in the past, notably winning at Hawkesbury and placing midfield in a tougher race at Randwick. If she can find the front without too much difficulty, she’ll be tough to catch.
Extremely Hardys is a bit short in the market, but she seems the clear favorite if she can replicate the late speed from her debut in July. The filly by Extreme Choice led from the start and won easily by six lengths on a very wet track, so many will back her after the break. There are some concerns about how she’ll handle a dry track and a wide gate, but in a race that doesn’t inspire much confidence, I’m still backing her.