A talented and capacity field of fillies and mares has been confirmed for Saturday’s 2016 Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick; offering punters particularly good value from a betting perspective.

Griante will be very hard to beat in the 2016 Sapphire Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart

Bounding is yet to find peak condition this time but interestingly remains outright $6 favourite in Sapphire Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of Cradle Me ($6.50), Griante ($7) and Secret Agenda ($7.50).

Will Bounding justify her favouritism and return to winning form in the 2016 Sapphire Stakes or will one of her many talented rivals find the line ahead?

1^st

Griante ($7)

Griante posted an impressive and resounding Group 1 victory in The Galaxy (1100m) last start and represents exceptional value for money in Sapphire Stakes betting markets at current $7 odds for success. Posting seven wins and eight minors through 27 competitive starts to date, the Good Journey mare relishes Autumn Carnival racing; winning the Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) before finishing third in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) and second in the Sapphire Stakes in 2015. Confirmed to be partnered by Craig Williams, Griante should receive a dream run in the Sapphire Stakes from barrier 8.

2^nd

Sultry Feeling ($11)

Another runner that is over the odds at her current quote, Sultry Feeling is yet to taste anything but success in 2016 and will be partnered by leading hoop Hugh Bowman in the 2016 Sapphire Stakes. A strong and consistent performer for James Cummings through her entire racing career so far, the Encosta De Lago mare produced a slick turn of foot to win the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m); repeating the dose in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) last time out on March 19^th. Drawn somewhat awkwardly in barrier 14, Sultry Feeling has been charged with carrying only 55.4kgs.

3^rd

Bring Me The Maid ($19)

Bring Me The Maid failed to fire in the Birthday Card Stakes first-up, but is sure to have taken condition from the run and could react favourably to a change of stables. A proven performer at the class and distance, the Sebring mare resumed in 2015 for second in the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) before progressing to fourth in the Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m). Confirmed to be partnered by champion hoop Damien Oliver, Bring Me The Maid is drawn ideally in barrier 4.

Do you agree with our 2016 Sapphire Stakes tips? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today and have your say with the best odds available online!