Missile Stakes
The $200,000 Group 2 Missile Stakes is run at Randwick Racecourse in early August and is the first Group race on the racing calendar in New South Wales. Run over 1200 metres, the race is often used as a jumping-off point for connections looking to aim their star gallopers at a big spring campaign.
Missile Stakes 2023: Alfie’s preview
Speed map Speed should be above average. Big Parade and I Am Me will be forward, Ingratiating will be back in the field so will want some tempo.
Runner-by-runner comments
#4 Big Parade $2.90
Group 3 winner and Group 1 runner-up. Has won 3/5 first-up.
#2 Ingratiating $7.50
The fit horse, coming off a win, could be the knockout chance.
#11 I Am Me $3.10
Dominant win last preparation at Listed level. This is a step up but does come to hand quickly.
#1 Golden Mile $5.50
Had a dominant second preparation winning 3/5. Was disappointing in the last two Group 1 races he competed in.
#3 Rocketing By $18
I think it will have to run a near-peak first-up to win this.
Betting strategy
If Ingratiating can get near his last start level he will be in the finish. An each-way play on him may be the go if you want to back around the faves, but the market has got it pretty right with Big Parade and I Am Me the standouts.
Aurie’s Star Handicap
Run over 1200 metres down the famous Flemington straight in early August, the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap is always a sign that spring is not too far away!
The race is named after Auries’s Star, a star horse of the 1930s that had a number of big wins including a Newmarket Handicap, Goodwood Handicap and two Oakleigh Plates.
Although run over a sprint distance, the race has also attracted middle distance and staying types in the past, with trainers using it as a starting point for spring preparations.
Aurie’s Star Handicap 2023: Trevor Lawson’s preview
Track
The rail is out 10m and the track should play well. I’ll walk it Friday. Track should be around a Good 4 unless we get the high end of the Friday forecast 1-9 ml range.
Speed Looks alright. Dance To Dubai, General Beau, Much Much Better should be the leaders.
Runner-by-runner
Prices at the time of publication.
#2 GENERAL BEAU $5.50
Racing consistently but it’s been a long time since he’s won. Prefer over 1100m or shorter.
#3 HERE TO SHOCK $9.50
Resumes here. It’s nearly two years since he last won so I’m happy to watch and see how he goes.
#4 ITSOURTIME $4.00
Has a reasonable record down the straight. Maps to get a good run here but does struggle to win.
#5 ZETHUS $11
Ran OK off a short break here two starts ago. Fitter now and should be ready to run to its peak figures.
#6 CHASSIS $13
Returns from QLD here coming off a short break. Rough chance.
#7 MUCH MUCH BETTER $7.00
Has good Sydney figures. Had excuses for its last two runs. Gets a good senior jockey on here and settles on the pace. Has a lot of positives.
#8 DANCE TO DUBAI $12
Won well down the straight last start when finding a dry track. Can run well again.
#9 UMGAWA $19
Racing OK but gets back and lacks a killer punch.
#10 MR EXCLUSIVE $21
Very long time since it’s won but does run good figures at Flemington.
#11 CAUSE FOR CONCERN $4.00
Racing consistently at the moment. Good effort last start. Handles the straight and has good claims here.
Betting Strategy
Fairly open race. I’ve marked Cause For Concern as the favourite from Itsourtime and MUCH MUCH BETTER which looks a little value.
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