Eleven runners have been confirmed in the final field for Saturday’s Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens; offering punters exceptional value from a betting standpoint and several key opportunities to place a winning wager.

Ninth Legion is our tip to take out Saturday’s Group 2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill. Photo: Steve Hart

Nothing has been able to split Team Hawkes runner Ninth Legion and Godolphin entrant Vashka this week and the pair remains tied on the top line of 2015 Shannon Stakes betting at Ladbrokes.com.au at $4.80 quotes ahead of in-form runner Akavoroun ($5.50).

Will Ninth Legion return to the winner’s circle, will Vashka overcome a wide draw or will one of their many talented Shannon Stakes rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

Ninth Legion ($4.80)

Drawn ideally in barrier 2, Ninth Legion will carry a very manageable 58kgs, will be partnered by in-form hoop Christian Reith and offers great value at $4.80 in Shannon Stakes betting markets. Posting six wins and a further ten minors through 32 career starts so far, Ninth Legion returned this year for success in the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) on January 24^th and while somewhat inconstant through his autumn campaign, ran a close second in each of the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) and Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) most notably. Having returned this time for third in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) a fortnight ago, Ninth Legion will be very hard to beat in the Shannon Stakes.

2^nd

Akavoroun ($5.50)

Akavoroun has returned to racing in typically slick form this time and is a leading chance for success in the Shannon Stakes, but may need a little luck in transit after drawing barrier 9. Akavoroun produced several solid efforts through a short Autumn Carnival campaign but was particularly luckless in each. Having produced a huge turn of foot to run on for second in the Listed The Sofitel (1400m) last time, the gelding will relish a step-up in distance and is sure to receive a great ride from Glyn Schofield.

3^rd

Flamingo Star ($7)

German import Flamingo Star has form around some of the world’s best thoroughbreds, but is steadily building to the task this time and may need the Shannon Stakes run to hit peak condition. Debuting to Australian racing for eighth in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) on May 23^rd, the Areion gelding returned to the paddock after running a close second in the Listed Wayne Wilson (1600m) and should enjoy the Rosehill Gardens conditions this weekend.

Do you agree with our 2015 Shannon Stakes tips? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today and have your say with the best odds available online!