The Theo Marks Stakes 2017 betting tips according to the markets are dominated by the remaining Chris Waller-trained mare in the mix Egg Tart, but does the multiple Group 1 winner have any dangers first-up?
Cannyescent is the Races.com.au tip to win Saturday’s Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Waller opted to withdraw fellow four-year-old Foxplay from a clash with Egg Tart in Saturday’s Group 2 $200,000 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) after the former’s big run three weeks ago against Winx in the Warwick Stakes.
He remains confident of saddling-up a winning hope in the handicap clash however as the fans prepare to welcome back Sebring mare Egg Tart.
She made it six straight wins when she took out the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) last time out at Doomben on June 3, her second Oaks success on the trot after success in the Adelaide edition a month earlier.
Egg Tart is ultra-consistent with plenty of scope for improvement, putting her at the top of the Theo Marks Stakes odds through Ladbrokes.com.au at a steady $2.60.
Waller has warned the 1300m of the Theo Marks will be a little short of her best however, which could open up the value in betting.
With only seven runners remaining it is an open affair in the markets with four other single-figure hopes outside of the favourite including the super-consistent Cannyescent ($5) for Lindsay Park and Gerald Ryan’s last start Show County Quality winner Deploy ($4).
So, does Egg Tart have this done and dusted or is there an upset Theo Marks Stakes result pending from the likes of the rails-drawn Euro Angel ($8) or the returning Dixie Blossoms ($6) for Ron Quinton?
1st
#8 Cannyescent ($5)
Think the value lies in the well-weighted Lindsay Park-trained five-year-old Canny Lad gelding who is out to prove he can handle this class of rivals. His record sits at an impressive seven wins and two seconds from 15 starts, but because he is yet to win in stakes company he carries the 53kg light weight on the weekend. That’s a huge advantage and he has won with as much as 60kg on his back so should be flying. Last run in Sydney produced a 1350m Rosehill win in early May, and he’s had three subsequent Melbourne starts including the incredibly brave first-up second when only narrowly defeated by Group 1 winner Hey Doc in Flemington’s Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m). Definite threat.
2nd
#6 Egg Tart ($2.60)
No denying the class of Waller’s dual Oaks winner who makes her four-year-old debut on the weekend. She has won six of her eight starts and, as mentioned, won back-to-back Group 1s against the fellow fillies as a three-year-old. She was making up ground when second to Veladero in a recent Warwick Farm heat over 1000m and her hoop Kerrin McEvoy is in red hot form. She’ll be better over further later, but she’s in the finish for sure.
3rd
#4 Dixie Blossoms ($6)
Five-year-old Street Sense mare Dixie Blossoms travels to Rosehill for sixth time in her career chasing her maiden win at the track. Her latest venture here produced a Group 2 third to Zanbagh in the Emancipation run in the wet. Is fresh on the weekend and looks fit and ready to fire after successive Randwick trial wins last month. Racing for the first time since crossing only a length off Foxplay in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m). Can finish in the money.
Get in on our exclusive Theo Marks Stakes 2017 tips online now through Ladbrokes.com.au for the hottest spring racing odds and offers.
