Fifteen two-year-olds will contest the Listed The Phoenix (1400m) at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Saturday; representing particularly good value from a betting standpoint and offering several key opportunities to place a winning wager.
Jericho (outside) is the Races.com.au tip to win The Phoenix at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Photo: Daniel Costello
One of an almost countless batch of exciting two-year-olds currently in work for Godolphin, Archives remains outright and justifiable favourite in 2016 The Phoenix betting markets with Ladbrokes.com.au at a quote of $2.40, ahead of Jericho ($4.20) and Redouble ($7.50).
Can Jericho return the favour and win The Phoenix, or will Archives justify his clear favouritism and post a second-consecutive black type win?
1st
Jericho ($4.20)
Jericho savaged the line for second in the Listed Hampden Stakes (1200m) a fortnight ago, and appears as though he will relish a step up to 1400m for The Phoenix 2016. Trialling well in the lead-up to his competitive debut, the Smart Missile colt stamped himself as one to watch when overcoming an early check to finish fourth in the Golden Gift (1100m) in November. Resuming this time for success in the Pro-Ride Maiden (1100m) in what was his only other start prior to the Hampden Stakes, Jericho will be partnered by regular hoop Blake Shinn in The Phoenix, but will undoubtedly require some luck in running from the outside barrier.
2nd
Archives ($2.40)
Archives has only made two competitive appearances at the races so far, but has more than stamped himself as one to watch. Running on for third amongst classy company in the TAB.com.au Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill on debut on May 7th, the Helmet colt charged clear late to win the Hampden Stakes in impressive fashion last time. Drawn well in the central barrier 8, Archives will be partnered by Godolphin lead James McDonald and is sure to lay another great account for himself in The Phoenix.
3rd
Real Classic ($14)
An exciting prospect for Gold Coast-based trainer Toby Edmonds, Real Classic could very well receive the run of the race from barrier 6 in The Phoenix, and has the notable advantage of Hugh Bowman in the saddle. Debuting for fourth in the Sqs Haulage Handicap (1050m) on April 9th, the Real Saga colt finished second beyond notable filly Tiyatrolani in the Service Trades College Plate (1110m) on April 30th before running on for a credible sixth in the Hampden Stakes last time.
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