Former Melbourne Cup winner and early 2012 Australian Cup favourite Americain is among the 2012 The BMW nominations

Won last year by the ill-fated stayer Cedarberg this year’s edition of the $2.25 million The BMW (2400m), formerly The BMW Stakes, has attracted 80 early entries.

It is a star-studded list of nominees heading towards The BMW this autumn with a plethora of Group 1 winners among the entries including two former Melbourne Cup winners with Efficient (2007) and Americain (2010).

The French-trained Americain, who is currently under the preparation the Melbourne-based David Hayes as they embark on an autumn campaign down under, was the eye-catching Melbourne Cup runner last year as well when coming from near last at the final turn to finish fourth.

Americain is likely to open at the top of the 2012 The BMW odds when futures betting is released at Luxbet, the champ already the clear $4.20 favourite to win the $1 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10.

Other Melbourne Cup top 10 from last spring among The BMW 2012 nominations include Anthony Freedman’s third-placed German import Lucas Cranach, the now Peter Moody-trained Manighar (5^th) and Lexus Stakes winner Niwot (8^th).

Last year’s The BMW runner-up Mourayan has been nominated again, the Lloyd Williams-owned import last seen finishing third behind fellow BMW nominees Americain and Manighar in the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown on November 12.

Mourayan is one of five The BMW entries for Williams and his No. 1 trainer Robert Hickmott this year along with the aforementioned Efficient, Green Moon, Midas Touch and Tanby.

The depth of the entries boasts horses from all ends of the age spectrum including exciting three-year-olds such as the Peter Snowden-trained Galah, as well as the Victoria Derby first four of Sangster (winner), Induna (2^nd), Sabrage (3^rd) and Zabeelionaire (4^th) from the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Other notable Group 1 winners from last season looking to add to their elite level records with a The BMW win in 2012 then include Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker, Caulfield Cup hero Southern Speed, Gai Waterhouse’s Caulfield Stakes champ Descarado and Playing God.

Last seen winning their second straight Kingston Town Classic at home at Ascot in December, Playing God is one of two Perth raiders entered for The BMW by trainer Neville Parnham along with God Has Spoken.

Playing God resumes at Caulfield this Saturday in the $400,000 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) where they will take on undefeated turf queen Black Caviar as she shoots for win No. 18.

As well as a plentitude of interstate entries, a number of Kiwi visitors have also been nominated for The BMW this year including Sangster (Victoria Derby winner mentioned above) and Graeme Rogerson’s Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady who resumed with a first-up win in New Zealand over the weekend.

Late The BMW entries must be made by Monday April 2 and will attract a late entry fee of $60,000.

The last race between now and then offering a BMW ballot exemption to the winner is the $400,000 Group 1 Ranvent Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 24.

Final acceptances are then taken on Tuesday April 3, the 2012 The BMW field to be published right here at Races.com.au.

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2012 The BMW Nominations

Rosehill – 07/04/2012

Victoria Derby winner Sangster resumes racing in New Zealad this Saturday before heading to Melbourne for the 2012 Australian Guineas

Trent Busuttin’s Savabeel three-year-old is accepted for the NZ$200,000 Group 1 Waikato Draught Sprint (1400m) at Te Repa where they will face off against the likes of Stephen Mckee’s evergreen veteran Mufhasa (King Mufhasa in Australia), last-start Telegraph Handicap winner Guiseppina and John Bary’s Aussie-bred The Hombre.

Sangster travelled down under last August and enjoyed a first-up win at Warwick Farm before going on to contest five more races across Sydney and Melbourne.

At Randwick they enjoyed an eye-catching third to Doctor Doom in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m), which was the best run of their career at that stage.

They continued on to finish a close second to Sabrage in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) in their debut Victorian run at Caulfield before becoming an elite level winner at career start number eight beating a crack field in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.

Busuttin is hoping for a strong first-up performance on Saturday before he sends Sangster to Australia where they will hopefully run in the $750,000 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 3.

“At this stage we’re heading to Melbourne for the Australian Guineas,” Busuttin said.

“That could change, we could end up in Sydney on the same day in a 1400-metre race for three-year-olds, but at this stage definitely the Australian Guineas.”

The back-up aim Busuttin refers to is the $200,000 Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill.

“He’s kicking off Saturday in a 1400-metre weight-for-age race,” Busuttin continued.

“He’s taking on the best weight-for-age horses in New Zealand, so it’ll be a pretty hot field, but as long as he’s running on we’ll be happy.”

In the currently 2012 Australian Guineas odds at Luxbet Sangster is the $12 third favourite behind Darley-owned champ Helmet ($3) and brilliant Crown Oaks winner Mosheen ($6.50) who resumed with a first-up win in the Listed Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

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Playing God will face off against Black Caviar first-up in the 2012 CF Orr Stakes this Saturday

A well-bred Blackfriars four-year-old out of Rubiton mare Dolly Will Do, Playing God was yesterday one of 13 gallopers nominated for the $400,000 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m), the opening elite level in Australia for 2012.

The 2012 CF Orr Stakes will be host to Peter Moody’s undefeated turf queen who vies for win No. 18 and who also sees the 1400m for the first time.

One person with their fingers crossed that Black Caviar may be a little vulnerable going up in distance this weekend is Parnham.

Parnham trains one of Perth’s most resilient and determined runners, Playing God a dual Group 1 winner of the Kingston Town Classic (1800m).

Last spring Playing God travelled interstate to Melbourne for the second time for a five-run campaign that included four Group 1 events.

After an eye-catching fourth, beaten less than a length by Littorio in the Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, Playing God when on to finish fifth in the Underwood, third in the Turnbull, sixth in the Caulfield Stakes and then 11^th to Pinker Pinker in the famous Cox Plate over 2040m at Moonee Valley.

Returning home they were trashed nine and a half lengths by winner-upon-protest Luckygray in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).

Showing an incredible bounce-back ability, however, Playing God backed up a fortnight later to win his second straight Kingston Town Classic.

“He certainly appreciated a little bit of a mix-up in his routine,” Parnham said.

“If we can keep him in that frame of mind I’m sure he’ll acquit himself very well in Melbourne.

“As he proved over our summer carnival he can bounce back pretty quickly.

“He’s a nice sound horse who’s bounced back really well from the Kingston Town.”

Yesterday Playing God showed they were ready to get back to race conditions and line-up in Melbourne again when they beat home the Grant Williams-trained Ranger by a head in their 1000m Ascot hitout.

While terrific in their resumption trial, Parnham is very aware of the tough test his horse faces coming up against Black Caviar on Saturday.

“He pulled up really well,” Parnham said.

“He had a little bit of a blow after the hitout but we expected that because he’s only had one gallop in the lead-in up to that so he’s spot on.

“He had a month off but he’s done some good grounding work and a lot of beach work, he’s a happy horse and he’s ready to head into a race.

“He’ll run in the CF Orr Stakes against a good mare.

“We’ll have a good one to chase but maybe his next two runs will be better.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s going and I’m looking forward to Saturday but obviously he is not going to beat her.”

After the CF Orr Parham has mapped out two more confirmed runs for Playing God with the $200,000 Group 1 St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day February 25 before they again target the $1 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 3.

After a smart first-up win in last year’s Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy, Playing God went to Melbourne and ran a credible third to Shamrocker in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and then third again this time to former Melbourne Cup winner Shocking in the 2011 Australian Cup.

“He’s heading towards the Australian Cup again so he’ll run in that race (the CF Orr) first then back up a fortnight later,” Parnham said.

“I think the St George is 1800 (metres) then we go to into the 2000 metre Australian Cup.”

In the current futures Australian Cup odds at Luxbet Playing God is rated a $26 chance, markets led by Americain at $4.20.

Parnham said there was a good possibility that Playing God would continue beyond that and target the $2 million Group 1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on April 21 during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

“He’s nominated for the Doncaster so we’ll just see how he gets through these three runs,” Parnham said.

“It’s not going to be a long campaign because I want to give him another spell, a good spell, before he heads off to the spring again.”

Doncaster Mile betting at Luxbet has boom filly Atlantic Jewel as the $6 favourite over Golden Rose hero Manawanui ($9) while Playing God pays a juicy $51.

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Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet will be one of the headliners at tonight's Cranbourne trials

Trials are a great way for Luxbet punters to get an idea of how their favourite horses are progressing, and can be indicative of whether they are worth backing in their next race.

The first of the champions trialing at Cranbourne tonight is the Peter Snowden-trained Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet, the ace three-year-old to run over 1000m in his first official gallop since running eight in the Cox Plate on October 22.

Helmet, who is set to head overseas for the Dubai World Cup Night to contest the $1 million UAE Derby (1800m) in March before embarking on a new European racing career for Godolphin, is scheduled to resume racing in the $200,000 Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington Saturday week.

Second-up they will go into the $750,000 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), also at Flemington, on March 3.

The 2012 Australian Guineas will be Helmet’s final run down under and in the latest Luxbet futures for the classic they are the firm $3 favourite.

Tonight Kerrin McEvoy will take the mount on Helmet, the top jockey having also been confirmed as the rider for both Helmet and Sepoy in Dubai next month.

Helmet’s superlative stablemate, four-time Group 1 hero Sepoy is entered for the second Cranbourne trial, but is likely to be saved for a Flemington trial on Friday morning.

Sepoy’s resuming run will likely be in the $350,000 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 25.

In the third Pinker Pinker will take on six rivals, a number of other runners withdrawn including the brilliant Bel Sprinter, Greg Eurell’s four-year-old Reset mare last seen claiming an upset victory over Kiwi galloper Jimmy Choux in the iconic Cox Plate.

Eurell has named the $500,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, February 25, as Pinker Pinker’s return run where she could face off against the unbeaten Black Caviar.

She is also in the mix for a 1200m trial on the program where Anthony Freedman’s Melbourne Cup third placegetter Lucas Cranach and the Robert Smerdon-trained champion hurdler Black And Bent are also set to trial.

A number of the season’s top two-year-olds who are heading towards the 2012 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 25 are also engaged for tonight’s trials including Members Joy who ran second to Malausn last-start in the Listed Blue Diamond Fillies Preview (1000m).

Malasun leads the Luxbet markets for the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) paying $6, a price sure to firm if she wins the BD Prelude this weekend.

Memebers Joy is currently paying $15.

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Bart Cummings will be the horseman behind USA star Sanagas who will target the 2012 Melbourne Cup this spring

Cummings has prepared an unprecedented 12 Melbourne Cup winners over his illustrious and at times testing training career, the last of which was Viewed in 2008.

Out to break his drought with a baker’s dozen this year, Cummings has been assigned crack North American stayer Sanagas who will be aimed at the $6 million Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday November 6, 2012.

Winner of the prestigious Group 1 Hollywood Turf Cup (2400m) last November by a devastating three and a quarter lengths, the German-bred Sanagas is raced in part by Aussie connections, the Victorian-based BC3 Thoroughbreds.

The BC3 purchased Sanagas in connection with David Bernsen, a well-known American thoroughbred breeder and owner, with the exclusive target being the iconic Melbourne Cup.

And what better trainer to send their newly-acquired star to for the spring than the maestro.

“We are delighted that Bart has agreed to train the horse for us,” BC3 Thoroughbreds CEO Bill Vlahos said.

“His record in the Melbourne Cup is unparalleled and it is the race we have purchased Sanagas specifically for.

“It’s a very exciting time for BC3.

“We canvassed the world looking for the best stayers to compete in our premier races like the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and we delighted to get Sanagas who is lightly raced and has enormous talent.”

Currently prepared in the USA by Peter Miller, Sanagas has raced 10 times producing an incredible seven wins which they will look to add to with three runs at home this season starting on this weekend in the Group 2 San Marcos Stakes (2000m).

The will then go second-up into the Group 2 San Luis Rey Stakes (2400m) on March 18 before stepping up to 2400m at Santa Anita, California for the Group 2 San Juan Capistrano Handicap on April 22.

They are then scheduled to enter quarantine before embarking on an expedition down under two days later on April 23.

“The horse will be out of quarantine in Sydney in early June and then Bart’s focus will be on having him right for the Spring Racing Carnival, and in particular that first Tuesday in November,” Vlahos said.

Cummings was excited to be named as the man in charge of Sanagas’ Australian campaign, saying he was impressed with what he had seen of the horse so far.

“We’ll welcome him with open arms when he arrives and look forward to preparing him for the Melbourne Cup,” Cummings said.

“I’ve watched his wins in the Hollywood Cup and was very impressed with the acceleration he showed after racing wide without cover.”

Two of Cummings’ other likely 2012 Melbourne Cup hopefuls are also set to resume racing this weekend with German import Illo and the always-honest Precedence having been nominated to take on superstar mare Black Caviar in the $400,000 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Zabeel six-year-old Precedence and Tertullian stallion Illo were both seen racing in last year’s Melbourne Cup when they finished and 11^th and 19^th respectively behind winner the French-trained winner Duanden.

Melbourne Cup 2012 odds are already up and getting plenty of attention at Luxbet, markets led by 2010 winner and last year’s eye catching fourth-placed Americain.

Americain is equal $21 favouite along with the liked of boom filly Atlantic Jewel, Victoria Derby runner-up Induna, and last year’s Melbourne Cup second (Red Cadeaux) and third (Lucas Cranach) placegetters.

Sanagas is currently rated $41 in the early markets, equal with Illo, while Precedence is unlisted in the futures.

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Southern Speed has been nominated to take on Black Caviar in the 2012 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield this Saturday

The dynamic mares were two of the 15 nominations taken for the $400,000 Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) this year, Peter Moody’s undefeated Bel Esprit five-year-old Black Caviar the headline attraction.

While Black Caviar will be out to extend her unbeaten career record to 18 straight victories, smart Southern Image mare Southern Speed will be out for her sixth win from 15 starts.

Black Caviar has netted over $4.5 million in prize money to date with seven Group 1 victories, Southern Speed has amassed just under half of that with $2.1 million, her sole elite level success coming in last year’s Caulfield Cup.

Both go to the CF Orr Stakes 2012 second-up for the season on the back of resuming wins, Black Caviar taking out the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on January 27 while Southern Speed won the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield one day earlier.

One stat in Southern Speed’s favour, however, is her record of two wins from three attempts over the 1400 metres; Black Caviar has never raced over further than 1200m.

Still, the distance looks to be of little concern for the hulking sprint star and if anyone is wary of critiquing the world’s highest-rated mare it is Southern Speed’s Leon Macdonald who co-trains the Caulfield Cup hero with son-in-law Glyas.

“Black Caviar was awesome (first-up),” Macdonald said.

“She looks unbeatable and we look like we’re running for second but we’re not backing away from the fight.”

Coming through the John Dillon win well, Southern Speed looks the biggest danger of the CF Orr Stakes nominees to the ‘Black Flash’, but there will still be only a few Luxbet punters backing her for the Win over the Place.

“Southern Speed pulled up well and looks a million dollars,” Macdonald said.

“She’s probably the most capable one there to take Black Caviar on.

“Her sectionals from the John Dillon were excellent and she came home the last 600 metres in 33.7 (seconds) the last 400 in 22.5 and the last furlong in 11.1.”

It is a bumper autumn carnival on the cards for Southern Speed who has a number of other Group 1 targets on the agenda win or lose on Saturday.

Following the CF Orr Stakes she will go to the $200,000 Group 2 St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on February 25 (Blue Diamond Stakes Day) before shooting for an elite-level weight-for-age triple running in the $1 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 3, the $400,000 Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (200m) at Rosehill on March 24 and then the $2.25 million Group 1 The BMW (2400m) back at Rosehill on April 7 (Golden Slipper Day).

Black Caviar’s autumn plans, on the other hand, are still very much in the air with Moody yet to rule her out of the $750,000 Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) next up at Flemington Saturday week.

“She will have to have a 1000 metre gallop at Caulfield that morning (February 18) so we might as well go to Flemington for prize money,” he said.

Bookmark us here at Races.com.au for the full 2012 CF Orr Stakes field, barriers and preview later in the week.

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The Savoire Vivre gelding went out as a $18.50 outsider in the betting for the $100,000 Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) despite the three-year-old’s impressive five length victory at Ararat over 2000m last-start on January 16.

Ridden by New Zealand-born hoop Jarrod Todd, Methuselah never looked threatened when leading all-the-way to put three lengths on the favourite Barysh Quest ($2.80) who finished second just a nose ahead of their third-placed stablemate, the fellow Gary White-trained Colonial Gold ($50.30) making for a juicy paying Tasmanian Derby Trifeca.

It was the culmination of a long-term assignment McArdle had set Methuselah on after securing them for $30,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions Tasmanian Select Yearling Sales.

“Ever since we bought him I’ve had the Tasmanian Derby in mind but it’s the way he’s gone this time in with two wins from his previous four starts and especially his win at Ararat confirmed it,” McArdle explained.

“It’s always a bit special winning a stakes race and this horse is a genuine stayer.

“He was given the perfect ride by Jarrod from an awkward barrier (9 of 10) and was strong to the line.”

The progressive youngster’s next major assignment will be in the $200,000 Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington on April 25 during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.

“I will give him a break for now and get him ready for some future staying races,” McArdle said.

“A race like the St Leger at Flemington on Anzac Day or the South Australian Derby may suit him, he’s got stayer written all over him.”

The $350,000 Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) runs at Morphettville on May 5.

In other Tasmanian race results from Sunday the Patrick Payne-trained Fieldmaster proved their potential for this weekend’s Group 3 Hobart Cup with a smart one and three-quarter length win over Dream Flyer in the $50,000 Jockey Club Cup (2100m).

The previously unraced Stratum colt Bush Aviator then won another one of the day’s three black-type features, the Victorian raider from Danny O’Brien’s Flemington stables saluting for the punters in the $100,000 Motors Elwick 2YO Stakes (1100m) when scoring an easy two and a quarter length victory over Testa Gee Gee ($17.90).

The meeting came to a close with the $150,000 Group 3 Bow Mistress Trophy (1200m), defending champ and local hero Lady Lynette ($2.30F) going down as the beaten favourite by two lengths to Leon Well’s up-and-coming Telesto mare Rebel Bride.

Rebel Bride has now won five on the trot.

Stay tuned to Races.com.au over the coming weeks for all the latest Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival news, including the final field for this Sunday’s Hobart Cup 2012.

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2012 Tasmanian Derby Results & Finishing Order

Hobart Race 8 – 05/02/2012

Bolton could still be a late entry into the 2012 Australian Cup this March

The smart Zabeel five-year-old posted their second Melbourne win of the season when saluting as the $2.70 favourite in the $100,000 Listed Reaan Plate (2000m).

With jockey Nicholas Hall in the mount Bolton was able to beat home Cindy Alderson’s well-performing outsider Montgomery ($21) by three quarters of a length while the Dean Howard-trained Royal Mail finished off the winning trifecta a further one and three quarter lengths back in third.

Bolton has now won five of their 17 career starts for just under $165,000 in prize money, but will not be given the chance at a second stakes success on the 15^th in the $200,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2400m).

Brown originally planned to take the galloper there following Saturday’s run, but jockey Hall told the trainer after the Reaan that Bolton would not handle the 2400m well.

“Everyone is saying run him in the Mornington Cup but 2400 metres is beyond him and we don’t want to stuff him up,” Brown said.

New Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival options for the middle-distance champ could now include the $200,000 Group 2 St George Stakes (1800m) back at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, February 25.

If they progress well there is also a chance Bolton could make the field for the $1 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10.

Bolton is not currently among the 2012 Australian Cup nominations and connections would have to pay a hefty $55,000 late entry by March 5 to get them in.

“He’s going really well and we know he can run the (Australian Cup) distance now,” Brown said.

Americain is the current $4.20 Australian Cup betting favourite in the futures markets at Luxbet, Bolton absent from the odds at this stage.

Bookmark us here at Races.com.au to stay up to date will all the upcoming autumn racing news and betting updates.

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2012 Reaan Plate Results

Caulfield Race 7 – 04/02/2012

Bel Sprinter is on track for a clash with Sepoy in the 2012 Oakleigh Plate

Resuming from a five month spell, before which they suffered their sole defeat to date when a close second to Lone Rock in the Group 3 Bobbie Lewis at Flemington, Bel Sprinter was back to their best on Saturday winning the $100,000 United Arab Emirates Stakes (1000m), or WJ Adams Stakes.

Ridden by Ben Melham once again, Bel Sprinter ($2.70F) cruised to a one length win over Peter Moody’s quality mare Kulgrinda ($4), whom he trailed throughout, while the Mick Price-trained Faster Son ($18) crossed a further two lengths away third ahead of the fourth-placed Unanimously.

“A lot of relief, it is just good to see them get back to the track and do it,” Warren said after the first-up win.

“He is obviously very good.

“It was nice to see him settle again, very much like he did at Moonee Valley when he was very dominant (winning over 1000m on July 2, 2011).

“I am sure his last 600 metres is pretty sharp, he pulled off the back of a very smart mare (Kulgrinda) and ran her down so I think we are right on track.”

Sharing the same sire as superstar mare Black Caviar, Bel Esprit gelding Bel Sprinter is set for big things this autumn with connections now seriously considering them for the $350,000 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, February 25.

“Options are everywhere but he gets into the Oakleigh Plate with no weight,” Warren said.

It is shaping up as a crack edition of the Oakleigh Plate in 2012 with Peter Snowden’s four-time Group 1 winning colt Sepoy the star attraction.

“It has been our plan all the way through and now that we have a run under our belt it is a better way to take on the very smart horse, Sepoy, so we’ll still have a crack at the Oakleigh Plate” Warren continued, adding they would not give into prize-money temptation and contest the 2012 Lightning Stakes.

“It’s hard to go after a $400,000 race when there’s a $750,000 race that is probably no stronger, but we’ll stick with Plan A and that’s the Oakleigh Plate.

“I haven’t trained a Group 1 winner yet so we’ll try and get that out of the way.”

Bel Sprinter would likely meet Sepoy four kilos better in the weights for the Oakleigh Plate with Racing Victoria handicapper Neil Jennings indicating Sepoy would be on the 58kg minimum topweight, Bel Sprinter on 54kg.

Also impressed with the horse’s effort on Saturday was regular rider Melham, aboard of all six of Bel Sprinter’s starts to date.

“He is a very exciting horse,” Melham said.

“He got chopped out at the start, it was a blessing in disguise really, I wish it could happen every start.

“I was surprised with how well he relaxed, he has a few little issues but if he can relax like that there is a lot better things for him.”

Saturday’s runner-up Kulgrinda is also a possible Oakleigh Plate 2012 hopeful.

Another option for the Exceed And Excel four-year-old is the $750,000 Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday week.

“I’d like to be having a crack at a race like the Oakleigh Plate on the limit weight or the Lightning depending on what lines up in the race,” Moody said.

Reigning Lightning Stakes winner is Kulgrinda’s unbeaten stablemate Black Caviar, and Moody is yet to officially rule her out of a title defense in the race on February 18.

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2012 United Arab Emirates WJ Admas Stakes Results

Caulfield Race 6 – 04/02/2012

2012 Australian Guineas-bound Mosheen won first-up at Caulfield with ease on Saturday

Robert Smerdon’s Fastnet Rock filly Mosheen was the punters’ pick at $2.70 for Saturday’s $100,000 Listed Shadwell Stud Australasia Stakes (1200m), also known as the Manfred Stakes, despite it being her first run of the season.

Mosheen was last seen running away to defeat a fairly average field in the Crown Oaks over 2500m at Flemington on November 3 by an anything-but-average margin of nine lengths.

While her true ability over a staying distance is questionable due to the mediocre rivals she faced in the Crown Oaks, Mosheen proved a superstar in her own right over a shorter distance when easily beating home the boys on Saturday.

Ridden by Danny Nikolic from barrier six of eight, Mosheen never looked in doubt even when trailing, and saluted for the punters when storming home to win her fourth race from 10 starts.

On the line she had one and three quarter lengths to spare over classy Cranbourne galloper That’s The One ($6.50) while the Peter Moody-trained Highly Recommended ($11) finished off the trifecta a further length away in third.

Mosheen has now won over $1.6 million in career prize money, living up to her potential as a $250,000 purchase from the 2010 Australian Easter Yearling Sales.

She has been racing at the highest level since just her second career start when second to Peter Snowden’s superstar Sepoy in last year’s Golden Slipper at Rosehill.

Her other Group 1 runs were a second to Atlantic Jewel in the Thousand Guineas over the Caulfield mile last October and a credible sixth to Hurtle Myrtle in the Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on October 29.

This autumn she will return to Flemington and take on another Snowden star when she races against Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet in the $750,000 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 3.

Last year’s Australian Guineas winner was Shamrocker, who also went on to take out the Australian Derby (2400m), and Mosheen is rated a $6.50 chance at Luxbet to make it two-from-two for the girls.

Prior to her first-up win over the weekend Mosheen was at $12 in the Australian Guineas 2012 odds at Luxbet.

Helmet, who is scheduled to return to racing in the $200,000 Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 18, retains favouritism at a quote of $3.20.

Heading into the Australian Guineas Mosheen will contest the $200,000 Group 3 The Vanity (1200m) at Flemington on February 18, won last year by subsequent Caulfield Guineas winner Southern Speed.

“I think at this stage The Vanity and then the Australian Guineas and then Sydney for the Coolmore Classic,” Smerdon said when discussing autumn plans.

The $600,000 Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) runs at Rosehill on March 24.

Having been half-share-purchased for an undisclosed seven-figure sum by leviathan owner – breeder Katsumi Yoshida recently, Mosheen will eventually head to Japan to race, and Nikolic said he would travel that distance and further to stick on her back.

“I’ve been told I’ve been knocked for the ride over there,” he said.

“She’s my little ray of hope, the only decent horse I’m really riding.

“She had the race won a long way out, probably at the 600 (metres).

“When I asked her to sprint, she showed a good turn of foot.

“Mr Yhoshida’s bought into a really nice horse.

“Obviously whatever she goes around in she’s going to be hard to beat because she’s got class written all over her.

“There’s so much scope to this filly, she can win over six furlongs and she can win over a mile-and-a-half.

“It’s all thumps up for her right now.”

To follow Mosheen throughout the autumn bookmark us here at Races.com.au.

In the meantime, check out all the Group 1 racing odds open now at Luxbet and enjoy the juicy futures prices.

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2012 Shadwell Stud Australasia Manfred Stakes Results

Caulfield Race 5 – 04/02/2012