A talented field of 25 runners has been confirmed for this weekend’s Group 3 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, offering punters exceptional value from a betting standpoint and several key opportunities to place a winning bet.

Catkins is clear favourite for success in the 2014 Sheraco Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart

A typically strong and consistent performer over the 2014 Autumn Carnival, Chris Waller-trained Catkins has opened as and maintained status as clear favourite for success in the 2014 Sheraco Stakes; currently available at odds of $2 ahead of market mover Belle De Coeur ($8.50) and Shamalia ($9) at leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au.

Will Catkins justify her resounding favouritism and win the 2014 Sheraco Stakes, or will one of her talented rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

Catkins ($2)

Securing an impressive total of eleven win and seven minor places from just 23 competitive race starts to date, Catkins has been confirmed to be partnered by regular jockey Hugh Bowman in the 2014 Sheraco Stakes and will leave from the reasonable barrier 7. A standout performer over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, Catkins failed to finish outside the places in six starts; winning both the Group 3 Sportingbet Sprint (1200m) and Group 3 Eliza Park International Stakes (1600m) and finishing second in both the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) most notably. Returning in autumn for wins in the Group 2 Breeders Classic (1200m), Group 3 Wiggle Stakes (1400m) and Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and a minor in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m), Catkins is without doubt the classiest runner confirmed for the 2014 Sheraco Stakes and should have no issue in returning to the winner’s circle this weekend.

2^nd

Belle De Coeur ($8.50)

Finishing outside the places just twice in ten career starts so far, lightly-raced five-year-old Belle De Coeur is likely to receive the run of the race from barrier 5 and will be partnered by in-form jockey Corey Brown. A strong and consistent performer over autumn despite being unable to secure a race win, the Show A Heart mare finished third in all of the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m), Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) and Listed Mercedes Benz Centenary Mile (1600m); finishing a close second to Srikandi in the Group 3 Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) most notably. Likely to progress to the Myer Classic in November, Belle De Coeur offers punters great value for money at current odds.

3^rd

Runway Star ($31)

Without doubt facing her toughest task yet in the 2014 Sheraco Stakes, Runway Star has claimed two wins and one minor place from just seven starts and is offered a great chance of a strong debut to black type racing this weekend from the ideal barrier 3. Returning to the track for a comfortable win in the Ladbrokes.com.au 3.y.o (1200m) on July 19^th, the Northern Meteor mare was unlucky to be blocked for a run and sixth in a minor over 1100m on August 16^th, but returned to great form when finishing a close second in the Cellarbrations FM (1100m) last time out on August 30^th. Charged with carrying just 54kgs, trainer Gerald Ryan is confident leading jockey Kerrin McEvoy will again get the best from his runner this weekend.

Do you agree with our tips for the 2014 Sheraco Stakes? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today and have your say!