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Storm Boy franks high standing, key Slipper lead-ups this weekend
The Golden Slipper picture took further shape last week when Storm Boy had his first start since the Magic Millions carnival and while he did not elevate his peak rating, he tightened his grip on Slipper favouritism.
While he will still be favourite after Saturday night, the Slipper market is set to be reshaped and a main danger defined this weekend with the Todman Stakes and Reisling Stakes to be run at Randwick.
Storm Boy (116): Last weekend's Slipper focus was firmly on glamour colt Storm Boy, who had his first start since the Magic Millions in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m). The son of Justify won by 1-1/4 lengths in a Timeform rating of 113. That was three pounds down on his Magic Millions winning figure but with the Sydney Triple Crown mooted as being on the agenda you'd have to think trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have left plenty of scope for elevation in the tank, meaning he's still clearly the one to have to beat at Rosehill on March 23.
Straight Charge (113): While there is no doubt about who should be favourite for the Slipper, just who is Storm Boy's biggest threat is well and truly up for grabs and looks set to be decided at Randwick this Saturday with the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) particularly important. Storm Boy's stablemate Straight Charge, a son of Written By, jumped to the second line of betting with a brilliant win in the Silver Slipper Stakes, when he ran 113 – the same number as Storm Boy last weekend.
Hayasugi (113): Another with a peak Timeform figure of 113, which she ran when winning the Group 1 Blue Diamond, but that number is better than it appears on paper owing to the penalty Timeform hits fillies and mares with owing to their 2kg weight allowance. The daughter of Royal Meeting continues to elevate her peak rating each start, though, and will not be seen again until Golden Slipper Day.
Lady Of Camelot (112): Arguably just as impressive as Hayasugi in the Blue Diamond, when she earned a rating of 112, which has her the second highest-rated filly of the season.
Espionage (108): Owns a peak rating of 108, which came in his last-start second placing to Straight Charge, but the thing to like about his profile is that was his only start since his 104 Breeders' Plate win back in late September. The way he hit the line also suggested the Silver Slipper was a great platform for the campaign ahead. Joins Straight Charge and other Slipper hopefuls Bodyguard (111), Switzerland (108) and Shangri La Express (105) in the Todman Stakes.
