As we draw closer to the biggest races of the 2024 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, we take another close look at the international raiders landing on our shores in the search for Group 1 glory.
Adam Page brings us his second instalment of the international runners you'll see this Spring, their likely target races, and odds courtesy of Ladbrokes.
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival International Raiders - Part 2
Absurde
Just fair I thought in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. He has since returned home and I think you have to say his form has been mixed. Yes, a jumps win at Cheltenham and a Chester Stakes triumph, but the two wins, especially the latter, the jury is well and truly out. He was kissed on the backside with the ride and then the run in transit he got. Plus, the subsequent form out of that Chester win has been dreadful. Very keen to oppose him on the first Tuesday in November. $15/$4.60 for the Melbourne Cup.
Ascolini Piceno
She's a star and could blow them away in the Golden Eagle. She looks stunning. Just simply stunning. She could easily be an odds on chance if she brings her form from Japan because it is dynamic for her age group and we saw what Obamburumai did last year in a very strong Golden Eagle. She's #1 seed for me, and clearly. $3.70 favourite for the Golden Eagle.
Corazon Beat
She is the other Japanese raider for the Golden Eagle. They clashed at Nakayama with Ascolini Piceno winning whereas this girl ran second last, but watching the replay, she got checked at various stages in the straight and the rider eased her down the last 200m or so. Needs to improve several lengths to turn the tables, but always respect the Japanese. $26/$7.50 for the Golden Eagle.
Jan Brueghel
The Melbourne Cup favourite and for mine, deservedly so given he brings the A1 form from the UK, winning the St Leger when beating Illinois, who I would have had as favourite if he made the trip across. The rise to two miles is fine, he's well in at the weights and the stable has done everything in racing except the first Tuesday in November. This looks a great chance to win the one race that has eluded him. $5.50/$2.15 for the Melbourne Cup.
Kinesiology
I think he has talent. Whether he's ready for a Melbourne Cup remains to be seen. From what I can see in his form and with the quotes from Waller and connections, he will be a long term project. But, if he does run in the Spring, I say give him serious respect because I do think he is above average. $101/$26 for the Melbourne Cup.
Lake Forest
William Haggas rarely gets it wrong when he brings a runner to Sydney. This guy has been excellent in 2024, noted by a close up second in the Commonwealth Cup, a sharp race at Royal Ascot. But, I will say that 1500m first up is going to be a query and with that in mind, I think he could be a risk. $41/$11 for the Golden Eagle.
Lazzat
Star galloper from France that is unbeaten. The last start Group l win at Deauville was dominant and ran sizzling time in doing so. She handles all conditions, she's already a winner at 1500m, and beware the unbeaten horse. The Japanese are dominant but outside them, this girl is clearly next best re Golden Eagle. $5.50/$2.15 for the Golden Eagle.
Vauban
He's back for redemption after failing in this race last year as a dominant favourite. I will concede that his 2024 form does read very well and has clearly improved. But, I will say that I still have a query at him at a very strong two miles. The win at York was just a win and he was found out in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. If he wins, too good, but if he wins the race, I am losing from a betting perspective. I'm opposing him hard.
