Betting markets for the 2014 Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) currently feature five of the final field of 12 runners presented at a quote of less-than $10; well and truly offering punters a wide selection of betting options and maintaining favourites’ odds as particularly generous.

Boomwaa will jump from gate 3 in the 2014 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Featuring as one of three Group 2 events on a Flemington race card that also features the Group 1 Australian Cup and Group 1 Newmarket Handicap this weekend, the 2014 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes is shaping as one of the most hotly-contested events of the day.

Having received huge attention from punters since betting markets first opened on Wednesday, Steve Richards-trained Marcado is currently featuring as outright $3.50 favourite and market mover, ahead of Awesome Rock ($4.40), Boomwaa ($4.80) and Zululand ($7.50).

Can Marcado justify the early support of punters, or will one of his classy rivals pull clear to claim the 2014 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes?

1^st

Boomwaa ($4.80)

Originally touted as a leading 2014 Golden Slipper (1200m) prospect, exciting two-year-old Boomwaa will instead chase an appearance in the major Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) one week later. Boomwaa became the first two-year-old to contest the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) since Clever Zoe in 1993, and while finishing off the pace of winner Snitzerland in 10^th, has well and truly benefitted from the Group 1 run against a classy field. Having drawn the ideal barrier 3, Boomwaa arguably represents the best value in betting markets to punters at $4.80.

2^nd

Marcado ($3.50)

Marcado has so-far produced a perfect start to his racing career, following up a strong win in a Cranbourne barrier trial on January 30with a comfortable victory in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) first-up on February 15^th. Undoubtedly facing his biggest test so far in the 2014 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, the exciting Choisir gelding will need to overcome the slightly awkward barrier 9, and may find too much traffic early to claim the win.

3^rd

The Spitfire ($21)

Two-year-old colt The Spitfire has only contested one start to date; the Listed Talindert Stakes on February 15^th for seventh. Despite the less-than-convincing debut result, there are several factors that could well and truly pay dividends for the young son of Fastnet Rock in the 2014 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes. Having drawn the ideal barrier 1, The Spitfire will be offered the opportunity to run inside Boomwaa, maintain pace and will ideally be in prime position for a final straight sprint when rounding the bend. Set to be partnered by champion jockey Craig Williams, The Spitfire represents incredible value at $21.

Do you agree with our tips for the 2014 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au and place a bet today!