C.F Orr Stakes
The Autumn Racing Carnival continues in earnest at Sandown on Saturday.
On a day where the Blue Diamond picture will become a little clearer with the running of the Preludes and boom Queenslander Uncommon James in town for the Rubiton Stakes, the $750,000 C.F Orr Stakes (1400m) is the headline act.
Run at Group 1 level, the race has brought together a number of Australia’s middle-distance stars.
I’m Thunderstruck, who chased home Anamoe in the 2022 Cox Plate, resumes with Jamie Kah in the saddle.
He blew out the cobwebs with a nice trial win at Geelong on January 31 and with two first-up wins on his resume, I’m Thunderstruck can fly fresh.
Stablemate Jacquinot is the X-Factor in this race.
The talented three-year-old powered home to land a thrilling win in the Manfred Stakes at Sandown on January 26, but this is harder.
He gets the benefit of weight-for-age conditions, but recent history says Jacquinot faces a task.
All Too Hard (2013) and Alabama Express (2020) are the only three-year-olds to win in the past 18 editions of the race.
Mr. Brightside also lined up in the Cox Plate last preparation and resumes here.
The five-year-old’s race record of nine wins from 19 starts highlights his consistency, although he is yet to get a group one win on the CV.
Tuvalu is another top-drawer galloper resuming.
The winner of the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) last spring, Tuvalu has emerged from a Warrnambool maiden to a fine sprinter-miler under the guidance of trainer Lindsay Smith and riding talents of jockey Jarrod Fry.
From barrier one, he has the capacity to control the tempo and boasts an unbeaten record at Sandown to his name.
The C.F Orr Stakes is Race 7 on a terrific nine-event card at Sandown and timed to jump at 4.20pm (EST).
SELECTIONS – Tuvalu, Mr Brightside, Jacquinot, I’m Thunderstruck
