Saturday’s 2017 B.J. McLachlan Stakes at Doomben Racecourse serves as a nice lead-up into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast next month, our insider tips on the set weights sprint and updated odds detailed below.
Jockey Jamie Kah rides the Races.com.au tip to win the 2017 BJ McLachlan Stakes on Saturday, Crockett. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia.
There are a dozen remaining juveniles in this year’s Group 3 $200,000 Magic Millions B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) field, which offers a final chance to qualify and or tune-up for the $2 million Restricted Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 13.
Current favourite in BJ McLachlan Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au paying an easing $3.70 is Orcein, the Chris Waller-trained Snitzel colt drawn to win in barrier two with Michael Cahill in the saddle.
Waller is one of the best in the business, and if this young horse gets the right breaks he’s a genuine chance to break his maiden status third-up after two minor placings in Rosehill races.
With two-year-old races always a wide-open affair, there are a further five single-figure fancies BJ McLachlan Stakes betting including the market mover Crockett ($7.50 into $4.60).
Prepared by a master trainer of juveniles Tony McEvoy, the All American colt won in Adelaide on debut at the start of October before the distant second to Ef Troop in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1100m) at Doomben on December 16 that could prove the form to follow.
So will the best in betting salute in Saturday’s BJ McLachlan Stakes results or is there value to be had further down the markets in the likes of Fullazaboot ($6.50) who has class but a wide alley or even the untapped Toby Edmonds-trained filly Sizzling Ace ($9.50)?
1st
#5 Crockett ($4.60)
The money is pouring in for this McEvoy-trained improver and it is not hard to see why. Drawn ideally in gate five with some of the other key chances out wide and Jamie Kah continues a successful association in the saddle. Was well beaten when second to Ef Troop in the Phelan Ready Stakes here, but has Doomben experience now and will be fitter for the run second-up. The step-up to 1200m also suits and the Ef Troop form looks pretty solid.
2nd
#8 Sizzling Ace ($9.50)
Nice price offered on this Gold Coast-trained Sizzling filly. She has had just the one run to date when 1.5 lengths away fourth behind Outback Barbie on debut here a fortnight back in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1100m). Not sure if the fillies can match the colts and geldings in this year’s Magic Millions Classic, but Sizzling Ace gets her chance at a top three run on Saturday in the lead-up with Jeff Lloyd aboard.
3rd
#1 Hopes Eternal ($8)
Another genuine chance, this John Zielke-trained son of Jet Spur is on the drift and represents nice value. He won his opening two career starts on the trot by impressive margins saluting at home at Toowoomba by five lengths and Doomben by three lengths over 1000m in October. Suffered his first defeat on November 4 behind Ef Troop running five lengths back fourth. Has been freshened-up since and that form was subsequently franked.
Get behind our insider BJ McLachlan Stakes 2017 tips and access the top early Magic Millions 2YO Classic odds online now at Ladbrokes.com.au.
