3 minute read
The Timeform Team at Racing and Sports have previewed the remaining group one races of the Championships.
Timeform Preview - All Aged Stakes - 2021
The last five winners of the All Aged Stakes have come through the TJ Smith with Trapeze Artist completing the double in 2018.
The Team Hawkes trained Masked Crusader confirmed he was 'A' grade in the TJ Smith when a fast finishing second behind Nature Strip.
While failing to live up to expectations in the Spring he has clearly gone to another level this Autumn.
A handy winner first up in the Southern Cross Stakes, he caught the eye late in the Canterbury Stakes before breaking through for his maiden Group 1 victory in the William Reid Stakes.
He broke the 120 barrier for the first time in his career and proceeded to springboard off that in the TJ Smith, now rated 122.
That piece of form leaves him as the one to beat on Saturday, it's now up to Tommy Berry to negotiate the wide draw.
Slow-away at all four starts this time in its likely he will be dragged back which doesn't make it easy.
The step up in trip should aid him, though we've already seen Savatiano beat him under similar circumstances.
Kept fresh (49 days) since winning the Canterbury Stakes and beating Masked Crusader she looks well placed with Bowman sticking aboard.
Given a soft trial in the lead up she has drawn to stalk the speed and if able to hold her form she should be right in the finish.
Stablemate Cascadian broke through in the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap last start and it's a big tick with Jamie Kah sticking aboard.
He was finally able to take up a position midfield and duly saluted returning a Timeform rating of 122.
Has to replicate that form back to 1400m but still has to be included in the main hopes now trainer James Cummings has him racing better than ever.
Three-year-olds have a good record in the All Aged Stakes and while beaten in the Australian Guineas, Tagaloa was awesome winning the CS Hayes Stakes the start prior and like him fresh (56 days).
Rated 118 by Timeform he still has to improve, but this looks the perfect set up for him to do so.
Timeform Preview - Champagne Stakes
Little separated Hilal and Captivant in the race behind Anamoe last start and they look to set fight it out in the Champagne Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
Both give the impression they will be even better at a mile with Hilal finally drawing a gate.
At his last two starts they've had little choice but to go back from the draw but now he may be able to take up a position.
Often a sectional star if able to replicate that finishing speed from a more favourable position, he should prove hard to beat.
Captivant was also good closing off last start and is a key booking with James McDonald aboard.
Similar to Hilal he has been ridden conservatively at his past two starts but expect him to be more prominent from the draw.
At his peak fourth up he should be strong late.
The Waterhouse and Bott trained Converge toyed with them last weekend and while this is a lot harder, he sets up well on the quick back up.
By Frankel he clearly appreciated the step up to the mile while also showcasing his versatility when taking a sit.
Has to improve again to beat the top two but is trending the right way.
