Kermadec’s Australian Guineas Odds Shorten

The 2015 Australian Guineas odds of Kermadec have continued to shorten and the talented colt is set to start the Group 1 event at Flemington on Saturday as a clear favourite.

Kermadec is set to start the 2015 Australian Guineas as a clear favourite. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett

Kermadec is set to start the 2015 Australian Guineas as a clear favourite. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett

Kermadec was available at a quote of $3.80 in Australian Guineas betting markets earlier in the week, but there has been consistent money for the Teofilo colt and he is now into $3.40 to record a maiden win at Group 1 level following the scratchings of Rommel, Testashadow and Rod’s Opinion.

The three-year-old returned to racing with a strong closing effort in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 7 and he stormed home late to finish third behind Hallowed Crown and Sweynesse in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 21.

Waller said that the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) has always been the major target for Kermadec during the 2015 Autumn Racing Carnival and he is told Racing Ahead that he is happy with the progress that the colt has made this preparation.

“He is very good,” Waller said.

“He has had two good runs back from his spell and he came a long way in short preparation last time, including winning at Flemington over the distance.

“Since then he has always been set for this race and here he is tomorrow ready to go.”

Kermadec was settled towards the tail of the field in both the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Hobartville Stakes this preparation, but has shown a degree of tactical versatility during his racing career to date.

Waller believes that jockey Nash Rawiller will have plenty of options when Kermadec jumps from barrier six in the Australian Guineas and he is hopeful that the three-year-old can settle slightly closer to the speed in the early stages of the race.

“He is jumping fairly well,” Waller said.

“You have seen him get back in his past two runs, but as you saw in the Carbine Club in his third race start that he can sit a lot closer.

“It is a pretty good gate to have options.”

Kermadec remains a clear favourite in the 2015 Australian Guineas betting market with Ladbrokes from last start winner Alpine Eagle ($6), Caulfield Guineas placegetter Wandjina ($7.50), the well-backed Stratum Star ($8), David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Petrology ($10), tough filly Fontein Ruby ($13) and Tasmanian hopeful Admiral ($14).

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.