The powerhouse Godolphin stable is confident of a big run under the lights at Moonee Valley Racecourse tonight for the in-form Tally who heads towards Sydney’s Australian Derby via a clash with odds-on favourite Palentino in the 2016 Alister Clark Stakes.
Australian Derby hope Tally runs in Friday night’s 2016 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley in Melbourne for the Godolphin stable. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Ten three-year-olds remain in contention for this season’s $200,000 Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) including Darren Weir’s last start Australian Guineas winner Palentino.
He heads the Alister Clark Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au paying a short $1.75 for the win despite not having seen further than a mile to date.
The next best in the markets and only other hope at single figures in Alister Clark Stakes betting is the John O’Shea-trained Tally at $4.
Tally jumps from barrier nine with jockey Craig Williams retaining the ride after guiding the consistent son of Street Cry to victory last start at Caulfield in the Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m) on February 27.
That was the colt’s third win on the trot, his previous run producing a three-quarter length Moonee Valley victory over a mile carrying 60kg.
He is has also had a look at the 2040m before when fifth, beaten only three and a half-lengths by subsequent Crown Oaks winning filly Jameka in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase on Cox Plate Day last October.
After the Alister Clark Stakes run under the lights, Tally is Sydney-bound again eyeing a run in the $2 million Group 1 BMW Australian Derby (2400m) over the mile and a half at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of ‘The Championships’ – Saturday April 2.
Futures Australian Derby betting has the Mick Price-trained Victoria Derby winner from the spring Tarzino as the firm $2.70 favourite.
The talented Tavistock colt runs in Sydney this Saturday on Golden Slipper Day in the $600,000 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Drawn in barrier two third-up following a narrow Australian Guineas loss to Palentino, Tarzino is the $2.50 top fancy in Rosehill Guineas betting ahead of the aforementioned Jameka ($6.50) and the Randwick Guineas winner from a fortnight ago Le Romain ($7).
To beat Tarzino home in the Australian Derby, currently Tally is paying $13, a price that will shorten if he scores an upset over Palentino tonight.
Godolphin assistant trainer David Charles told the Herald Sun earlier in the week it was “full speed ahead” into the Alister Clark Stakes where the stable is hoping the patience of O’Shea with Tally will start to pay dividends.
“John has been extremely patient with him as a progressive staying type,” Charles said.
“We are extremely happy with the way he has come on since his Caulfield win, and really happy with his work, so it’s full speed ahead for Friday night.”
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Weir though is also confident in the ability of his top fancy Palentino who he has spaced the runs of ideally.
“He’s great the horse and he probably could have run in the Australia Cup last week, but it would have been three runs in four weeks,” Weir said.
To back your selections for tonight’s Alister Clark and check out the all-in markets for upcoming classics like the ATC Derby visit Ladbrokes.com.au – home of Odds Boost!
