3 minute read
Group 1 racing returns to The Valley on Saturday and for the first time in a long time, the William Reid Stakes will be contested in daylight hours!
For more racing and sports previews, visit the Ladbrokes Blog.
The field is headlined by the acceptance of reigning champion and nine-time Group 1 winner, Imperatriz, but there is plenty of sprinting talented engaged, and shapes as memorable edition of the $1 million sprint.
You can find a full runner-by-runner William Reid Stakes preview below.
2024 William Reid Stakes Betting Strategy
Same Race Multi
► No. 5 Imperatiz (Win)
► No. 6 Bella Nipotina (Top 3)
1 – The Astrologist (9)
Was sent off at huge odds in the Newmarket Handicap but wound back the clock with a big effort to fill the minors.
Has typically found his best down the straight at HQ, and was that performance a flash in the pan? He's up at rightful William Reid Stakes odds of $35 (at publish) in my opinion.
2 – The Inferno (8)
It has been a long time since The Inferno won a race, and his best does look to be well and truly in the rearview mirror.
Has gone up at huge William Reid Stakes odds and will struggle to test some of these rivals.
3 – Queman (4)
Queman has returned to the races in career-best form and has drawn ideally into the William Reid Stakes field.
The South Australian arrived in Melbourne to win the Listed W.J. Adams Stakes in January before making another successful and big step up in class when winning the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at his latest.
He hasn't faced a horse of Imperatriz's quality, but he is more than worthy of his place in the William Reid Stakes field and could prove to be the value in betting ($26 at publish).
4 – Johnny Rocker (11)
Johnny Rocker faces an enormous rise in class into the William Reid Stakes field and that is echoed in his huge quote.
He'll need a lot to go right, and a lot to go wrong for plenty of his rivals if he is to figure in the finish.
5 – Imperatriz (10)
Champion sprinter Imperatriz lost no admirers when she finished second in unideal conditions second-up in the Newmarket Handicap, and she can return to winning form the William Reid Stakes.
A winner of nine Group 1 feature races, Imperatriz showed her class again when resuming to win the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes last month, while she was as tough as ever at HQ.
Opie Bosson is back in Australia to ride, and the horse is undefeated at The Valley. Clear standout top pick.
6 – Bella Nipotina (3)
Returns to the scene of her greatest career triumph and typically, rates as a genuine top three chance in this William Reid Stakes field.
Ran a close second to Imperatriz in this race last year, while she has turned in two credible performances in Group 1 company this time in, with one eye on this race.
Drawn well and is the major danger to the favourite in my opinion.
7 – I Am Me (2)
Steps out first-up from a break and has attracted early interest in William Reid Stakes betting ($12 into $7.50).
Was a model of consistency last time in, winning the lucrative Sydney Stakes up at Randwick before ending her prep with consecutive Group 1 second placings in the Manikato Stakes and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Has had the benefit of a couple of trials leading up to this race and does look forward enough for a big performance. Great chance for the trifecta.
8 – Queen Of The Ball (7)
Has been a decent mare for Michael Freedman for a couple of seasons now, but is yet to show her best in two runs back this time and looks well and truly out of her depth in the 2024 William Reid Stakes field.
9 – Hypothetical (6)
A mare bred for speed and that has been consistent in black type company throughout her career.
Finished fourth, beaten a little over a length in the Rubiton Stakes first-up from a spell before producing a career-best performance to only just miss in the Oakleigh Plate last time out.
She's a month between runs – is this an afterthought? I'm happy to take her on.
10 – Cylinder (1)
Finally realised his Group 1 potential with a memorable performance and win in the Newmarket Handicap last time out.
Prior to that, he was a little flat in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes, but natural improvement, a big drop in the weights and the booking of Jamie Kah proved the difference last time out.
He rises 4.5kgs from that run and is untested at The Valley, but remains locked on the second line of William Reid Stakes betting at publish.
11 – King's Gambit (5)
King's Gambit has been scratched from the 2024 William Reid Stakes field.
