Eloping is not on top of the 2014 Coolmore Stud Stakes tips of form expert Daniel O’Sullivan, but he rates the tough filly the best value runner in the Group 1 event at Flemington tomorrow.
Eloping has the chance to record a maiden win at Group 1 level in the Coolmore Stud Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Eloping started her 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a tough third behind Angelic Light and Lankan Rupee in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 6 before she recorded back-to-back wins in the Group 3 Champagne Stakes (1200m) at the venue on September 26 and the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 15.
O’Sullivan told RSN this morning that Eloping performance in the Blue Sapphire Stakes was most impressive and he believes that the Choisir filly is the only horse in the Coolmore Stud Stakes field that represents value at their current Coolmore Stud Stakes odds.
“While she is far from the best winning chance the only horse I can really label as being anything meaningful in terms of value is Eloping at $26,” O’Sullivan said.
“Her last win took her to a new career peak that can be very competitive here and the speed performance ratings in the race were very good.
“She ran two thirds of a length faster than the older horse that won the Listed race In Cahoots and she did it with a two lengths faster last 600 and also a fast last 200.
“It was a good quality performance and I have her around the $14 mark.”
Rich Enuff is a clear favourite in 2014 Coolmore Stud Stakes betting markets and O’Sullivan believes that the Written Tycoon colt is the most likely winner of the race, but feels that the three-year-old is overs at his current quote of $3.20.
O’Sullivan said that he is concerned about how Rich Enuff will handle the drop back to 1200 meters after his tough second behind Shooting To Win in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11, but feels that the race will be run to suit the talented colt if he is allowed to run at a sustained speed.
“There is little doubt that Rich Enuff has the best sustained speed and time ratings in this field and we a bit of pace up front I think that is the type of race we are going to be looking at,” O’Sullivan said.
“I think it will actually be to his advantage if the race is won like, so I hope that the stable do let him run.
“The price though for me at $3.30 is a little bit tight and you do have that uncertainty about coming back from the Caulfield Guineas.
“This race is basically an afterthought and his target race was the Guineas, so that always raises a slight query.”
Rich Enuff ($3.20) is a clear favourite in 2014 Coolmore Stud Stakes betting markets from Brazen Beau ($6.50), Rubick ($6.50) and Kuro ($6.50).
