Five-year-old Fabrizio is poised to break through for a maiden black type win when he lines up for the featured Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick this afternoon.
Gai Waterhouse will saddle Fabrizio in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello
That is the tale of the tape in 2016 Epsom Handicap betting markets where the in-form gelding has been backed handsomely in the hours leading up to jump; firming into a quote of $6 to currently figure as clear market mover.
Fabrizio has posted a commendable five wins and one minor through only eight career starts so far, but is so-far yet to race in anything with a rating higher than a benchmark of 84.
Trialling well in the lead-up to his spring campaign, the High Chaparral gelding comfortably won the McGrath Estate Agents BM72 (1200m) first-up on August 31st, but placing fourth in the Rosehill Bowling Cub BM70 (1400m).
Having jogged home to win the #TheRaces BM84 (1600m) by four lengths last start, Fabrizio will leave from the ideal barrier 6 this afternoon and will carry only 50kgs.
The Chris Waller-trained McCreery is another runner whose Epsom Handicap odds have continued to firm this morning and four-year-old now shares the second line with Fabrizio.
McCreery began his racing career in Britain, under the care of Roger Charlton but was transferred to Waller’s Rosehill stables at the conclusion of a smart 2015 preparation.
The Big Bad Bob gelding could only manage fifth in the TAB.com.au BM85 (1350m) on July 30th, but will be seeking a third-consecutive win this afternoon after taking out each of the of Listed Rowley Mile (1600m) and Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) most notably.
Race favourite Hauraki has received a sprinkling of bets for success this afternoon, but the five-year-old’s Epsom Handicap odds have remained steady at $5.50.
Several times placed at the highest level of racing, Hauraki returned to the paddock after running a close second to Our Ivanhowe in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 21st.
Resuming this time for a dominant win in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m), the Reset gelding ran a brave second to Winx in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago.
With the notable advantage of James McDonald in the saddle, Hauraki should have no problem performing to his best with 56kgs in tow and will be given every chance from barrier 10.
Two-time Group 1 winner Palentino has been reasonably forgotten and has drifted to 2016 Epsom Handicap odds of $6.50, while Happy Clapper ($9) is the only other runner currently offered at a single-figure quote with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
