The BMW Stakes will be run as race five on the 2011 Golden Slipper day, with a host of proven Group 1 performers going around in the 2400m affair.
Melbourne Cup runner up Maluckyday will start as a warm favourite for the BMW Stakes, currently being quoted at $2.80.
Maluckyday was a disappointing fourth in the Ranvet Stakes, however punters are placing their faith in the Hawkes team who prepare the Nick Moraitis owned four year old.
“Everything is good with him,” Hawkes said. “We just need no bad luck. We don’t need good luck, but we just don’t need bad luck, he’ll do the rest,” said Hawkes.
Descarado goes into the BMW Stakes a $3.60 second favourite, following his second placing behind Zavite in the Ranvet.
Descarado gets the gun combination of Nash Rawiller and Gai Waterhouse, who have saluted in two of the first three races on Golden Slipper Day.
Descarado won the Caulfield Cup over 2400m, and it would appear this is the horses best distance.
“Descarado needed the hit-out (in the Ranvet) and going up to 2400m this weekend, things will be different,” said Rawiller.
Zavite, who won the Ranvet at 100-1 will also line up in the BMW Stakes as a $13.00 chance. Zavite also ran second in last year’s BMW.
“He was three deep without cover for a mile and a half last year (finishing second), this year I’m very happy with him,” said Zavite’s trainer Anthony Cummings.
Linton is rated as the top interstate runner at $6.00. The Robert Hickmott trained gelding ran an impressive second behind Shocking in the Australian Cup, and has a good record at the 2400m, where he has raced twice for a win and a second.
“I’ve been really happy with him this time in. he’s much stronger, has a nice turn of foot, and he’s in there with a genuine chance,” said Linton’s owner Lloyd Williams.
Also in the BMW Stakes for 2011 are Hawk Island ($17.00), Laristan ($17.00), with the rest of the field quoted at $20 or longer.
2011 BMW Stakes Tips:
1. Linton: Will go back and strong pace should see him getting last crack at them.
2. Descarado: Rock hard fit and a specialist at the distance
3. Maluckyday: Talented galloper who will need to avoid bad luck.
