Leading online bookmaker Sportsbet have opened their ante-post betting markets for the $350,000 Group 1 AJC The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, with geldings Herculian Prince and Speed Gifted opening as equal favourites.
Both the Gai Waterhouse-trained Herculian Prince and Lee Freedman’s Speed Gifted are paying $10 to win the 2010 The Metropolitan on October 2 through Sportsbet.
Five-year-old Herculian Prince started first-up a fortnight ago when running ninth in the Listed Show County Quality 1200m at Warwick Farm.
The consistent galloper is more suited to 1600m and above and is sure to present as a serious contender later in the spring as he steps up in distance after being unbeaten last preparation with wins in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (1900m) and JRA Plate (2000m).
Last year’s The Metropolitan winner Speed Gifted failed in the Group 1 The BMW (2400m) back in April finishing second last after losing part of his hoof during the race.
He is expected to improve this spring and will kick-off in the Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes this Saturday before attempting back-to-back success in The Metropolitan.
Other early favourites for the handicap feature include Encosta De Lago four-year-old Count Encosta and another from the Waterhouse stables Descarado, both at $11 through Sportsbet, as well as $12 chances Fanjura who took out the Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield back in April and Group 1 winner Monaco Consul.
The 2010 The Metropolitan has attracted 98 nominations with other top spring contenders among the entries including last start winner of the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) Metal Bender, Group 1 WATC Derby (2400m) champion Chartreux and Mick Price’s improving Spacecraft also heading towards the 2010 Caulfield Cup.
The Metropolitan is raced over the same distance and conditions as the Group 1 Caulfield Cup, making it the ideal guide for this future spring feature.
The 2010 Caulfield Cup will be held on October 16, so keep an eye on The Metropolitan winners and placegetters as an indication for your Caulfield Cup betting at Sportsbet.
The final field of acceptances for the 2010 AJC The Metropolitan will be declared on Wednesday September 29 and published here first.
For the best odds on the race don’t bet at the TAB. Place your wagers where smart punters go for a better price every time by signing up to Sportsbet today and receive a bonus $100 bet!
2010 AJC The Metropolitan Early Betting Odds
| Horse | Fixed Odds* |
|---|---|
| Herculian Prince | 10.00 |
| Speed Gifted | 10.00 |
| Count Encosta | 11.00 |
| Descarado | 11.00 |
| Fanjura | 12.00 |
| Monaco Consul | 12.00 |
| Linton | 14.00 |
| Metal Bender | 15.00 |
| Triple Honour | 15.00 |
| Purple | 16.00 |
| Rundle | 16.00 |
| Maluckyday | 18.00 |
| Chartreux | 19.00 |
| Alandi | 21.00 |
| No Wine No Song | 21.00 |
| Zipping | 21.00 |
| Spacecraft | 21.00 |
| Scouting Wide | 26.00 |
| Apprehend | 26.00 |
| Cest La Guerre | 26.00 |
| HAWK ISLAND | 26.00 |
| Mr Charlie | 26.00 |
| Newport | 26.00 |
| Run For Naara | 26.00 |
| Shamoline Warrior | 26.00 |
| Sherpa Tenzing | 26.00 |
| The Embassy | 26.00 |
| Vesper | 26.00 |
| Macedonian | 26.00 |
| Muir | 26.00 |
| Star Ripper | 31.00 |
| Triumphant Choice | 31.00 |
| Berlioz | 34.00 |
| Extra Zero | 34.00 |
| Fairygem | 34.00 |
| Fiumicino | 34.00 |
| INDIKATOR | 34.00 |
| Jungle Rocket | 34.00 |
| Landlocked | 34.00 |
| Landlord | 34.00 |
| Mourayan | 34.00 |
| Stillman | 34.00 |
| Gallant Lady | 41.00 |
| LEGSMAN | 41.00 |
| Martial Law | 41.00 |
| My Bentley | 41.00 |
| Raihana | 41.00 |
| Snow Alert | 41.00 |
| Akzar | 51.00 |
| Baron | 51.00 |
| Empires Choice | 51.00 |
| Get Up Jude | 51.00 |
| Gigino | 51.00 |
| Grand Ducal | 51.00 |
| Hissing Sid | 51.00 |
| Home On A Wing | 51.00 |
| Interlocking | 51.00 |
| Irel | 51.00 |
| Largo Lad | 51.00 |
| Our Aristocrat | 51.00 |
| Our Rockhampton | 51.00 |
| Tullamore | 51.00 |
| Our Cannavaro | 61.00 |
| Basaltico | 67.00 |
| CRABS | 67.00 |
| DELTONA | 67.00 |
| Joe Blow | 67.00 |
| MR EDISON | 67.00 |
| PAY AND PLAY | 67.00 |
| The Miniver Rose | 67.00 |
| Token Of Honour | 67.00 |
| Base | 81.00 |
| Billson | 81.00 |
| Bolton | 81.00 |
| Fairfield Flame | 81.00 |
| Gorky Park | 81.00 |
| Nothin Leica Cat | 81.00 |
| Buccellati | 101.00 |
| La Rocket | 101.00 |
| Smokin Gun | 101.00 |
| Twin Wing | 101.00 |
| Nothingbutthetruth | 101.00 |
| Prix Du Sang | 121.00 |
| Emblem Of Liberty | 151.00 |
| Gotta Keep Cool | 151.00 |
| Imposing | 151.00 |
| Naadji | 151.00 |
| Saint Encosta | 151.00 |
| Shadow Minister | 151.00 |
| Zabdued | 151.00 |
| Frozone | 201.00 |
| The Zeebac | 201.00 |
| Indite | 251.00 |
| Carnegie House | 501.00 |
| Miss Alia | 501.00 |
| Daads Overtime | 661.00 |
| Refuse Me | 1,001.00 |
| Reigning Rhythm | 1,001.00 |
*Odds provided by Sportsbet and are subject to change
