Big O’s Oracle
2 – Livia
1 – Run for Naara
3 – Mirrasalo
Livia has always looked like the 2000 metres would be up her alley and this is a not a difficult race. Hit the line hard when clear at Flemington in the Edward Manifold when 4th, which is a lengths better race than this and only has to carry 2.5kgs over the minimum. Looked good when coming away with it at Sandown the start prior. Races back in the field so will need a shade of luck from barrier 1 but definitely good enough to be winning.
Run for Naara has been burdened with 59kgs but has earnt it having won a the listed Gibson Carmichael at Flemington in the winter and being placed in the Stan Fox behind superstar Denman two starts back. May not have handled the wet track last start in the Flight Stakes at Randwick so if you’re prepared to forgive that run, I suspect she won’t have any issues running out the 2000 metres and the 59kgs doesn’t concern me a great deal considering the race is half full of maidens.
Mirrasalo comes to Melbourne after some decent efforts in Sydney in similar races. Ran on well behind Viking Legend in the Dulcify and looks to be a genuine stayer who should be able to run well here and again in the Oaks in a few weeks time.
Shaggy's Selections
2 - Livia
3 - Mirrasalo
12 - Love My World
Livia has shown a touch of class in her runs to date and the effort last start behind Majestic Music was full of merit. Inside barrier may be tricky if she wants to get back, but trusting that Chris Symons will have her in the best position at the top of the straight and from there she will be hard to beat for mine.
Mirrasalo is a daughter of Redoubte's Choice who has been racing against some very smart animals in Sydney. Comes down to Melbourne on the back of a strong finish behind Viking Ruler and should measure up....may get nice odds also.
Love My World never had a chance last start when did everything wrong then was held up the entire straight. Once she got out she finished off very strongly and she should be long odds.
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