FEATURE PREVIEWS: EMPIRE ROSE STAKES

Track: Flemington | Distance: 1600m | Type: G1, Weight for Age | Rail Position: True | Condition: Good 4 (Predicted Good 4) | Prizemoney: $1,000,000

G1 mile won in recent years by some A grade mares including Pride of Jenni, Melody Belle, Red Tracer, Appearance, Shout The Bar, Colette and 3yos Shoals and I Am A Star.

• 2nd up (0/7), 3rd up (4/45), 4th up (5/77), 5th up (1/44), 6th up+ (3/22)
• 7-day break (2/20), 14-day break (4/83), 17-day break (1/28), 21-day break (5/42), 23+day break (1/19)
• Age 3yo (2/13), 4yo (2/78), 5yo (4/61), 6yo (4/34), 7yo (1/9)
• SP $3.80-$8.50 (5), SP $11-$41 (8)
• Barriers 1-7 (1/91), Barriers 8-16 (12/104)
• 11 of 13 winners have been between barriers 8 and 13. Outside gates a big advantage, whether an on pacer or backmarker. Only 5 out of the last 13 quinellas (26 horses) have featured a horse drawn inside barrier 7.
• Last Start Favourite (5/24)
• API1 (5/13)
• D1-5 (8/65)
• Gear Changes (4/37)
• Career Starts 4-8 (4/20), 9-17 (0/86), 18+ (9/89)

Above average speed expected here. Grinzinger Belle should lead. Revolutionary Miss, Socks Nation & Kimochi handy. See You In Heaven, Plenty Of Ammo, Lady In Pink forward of midfield. Amelia’s Jewel, Alsephina, Zardozi back of midfield. Barbie’s Fox, Foxy Frida, More Secrets should be back of midfield. Orchestral, Atishu & Lekvarte out the back.

1. Atishu – Ran 2nd to Pride Of Jenni in this race last year, and 5th beaten 2L the year before. Ran hom strongly for 3rd in the G1 Caulfield Stakes last start. Some query whether she is going as well this year, and next week over 2000m on the backup may suit better.

2. Amelia’s Jewel – Had been on in first two runs this prep finishing 2nd, then did finish well for 5th in the G1 King Charles last start beaten 3.8L in a strong field

3. Orchestral – Superstar kiwi mare who won the Karaka Millions, G1 NZ Derby and G1 Storm Queen Stakes as a 3yo. Had no luck when 6th in the G1 Toorak last start. Likely would have run a place with clear running.

4. Revolutionary Miss – Has been racing consistently well this prep for new Maher stable. Maps to get a nice run on speed.

5. Zardozi – Distance short of best and having a barrier trial for the Melbourne Cup, but loves Flemington and could swoop late if enough speed on up front.

7. Alsephina – Classy WA mare from a stable that always measures up here. Won G2 at Moonee Valley 2 starts ago then a good 3rd in the G1 Toorak last start.

8. Lekvarte – Last 3 starts she has run over a mile have all resulted in G3 wins.

10. Socks Nation – G1 QLD Oaks winner. Never saw daylight in the straight first up.

11. Grinzinger Belle – Leads and gives a good kick. Has won twice this track over 1400m. 1600m is her limit.

13. Plenty Of Ammo – 7 starts for 5 wins and 1 second. Won the G2 Waterford Crystal mile last start.

3. Orchestral
1. Atishu
7. Alsephina
5. Zardozi