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Verry Elleegant Stakes Tips - Predictions and analysis for the Randwick Group 1

Joshua Bell

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Last updated: 29 Feb 2024

Joshua Bell 29 Feb 2024

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Runner-by-Runner Guide to the Verry Elleegant Stakes
Who will take out the former Chipping Norton Stakes?
Can Fangirl be beaten?

Expired

Fangirl (Getty Images)

The Very Elegant Stakes, formerly known as the Chipping Norton, is run over 1600m at Royal Randwick under weight-for-age conditions for three-year-old’s and over.

The race was first run in 1925 and has been won by some champion middle distance horses including Phar Lap (1930), Tulloch (1958,60) and Berry Elegant herself (2021,22).

We have a dominant favourite in this years edition but we have run through every runner below with the best odds from Dabble, who have the code BETSAU.

1. Think It Over (3)

A two-time Group 1 winner already, Think It Over returned from a spell with a third in the Apollo Stakes where he was soundly beaten by Fangirl.

The run was full of merit and while Fangirl had his measure he will take plenty benefit from the run and the step up in distance.

2. Cascadian (9)

Finished last when resuming in the Apollo but had no luck in running at crucial stages.

The nine year-old gelding and three-time Group 1 winner was held up in the straight and never saw daylight.

It usually takes him a few runs to get into his prep so while I don’t think he is a winning chance, he can run a cheeky race if there is some pace on up forward.

3. Arapaho (8)

The 2023 Group 1 Tancred Stakes winner has failed to win again since that shock victory but he had just the one start during the spring.

His first up run in the Apollo Stakes was okay and he’s another that can take a big step forward as he gets out in distance.

4. Buckaroo (1)

The lightly raced import is yet to place from three starts in Australia but he has been competitive in some top races.

He was beaten just over two lengths in the Group 1 McKinnon during the spring carnival and made up plenty of ground late in the Apollo.

Would need to improve to beat the favourite but can fill a placing.

5. Just Fine (2)

One of the only horses in the race that didn’t contest the Apollo Stakes and is a gelding with a lot of upside.

Was his maiden Group 1 by winning the Metropolitan here at Randwick in the spring, earning a chance in the Caulfield Cup where he was well beaten.

Two trials leading into this first up assignment have been good and while he’ll appreciate further, he has a fair amount of natural ability.

6. Navajo Peak (4)

Had a lovely run in transit when resuming in the Apollo but was caught a bit flat footed when asked for an effort.

Has two wins from three starts second up from a spell including the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes during the spring.

7. Lindermann (5)

The 2023 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner was another of the beaten brigade behind Fangirl first up and would have finished a lot closer with clear running.

I liked that Tim Clark was kind on him once the gap didn’t appear and I’d expect a better showing second up.

8. Athabascan (6)

Closed out his spring campaign with a second in the Group 3 Archer over 2500m at headquarters.

A genuine stayer who will use this as a barrier trial for something over further later in the autumn.

9. Fangirl (10)

Her early career was hampered by a horse by Anamoe who she consistently placed behind but now that horse is at stud, she is reaping the benefit.

She has been placed in 15 of her 24 career race starts, proving her will to always pout in an effort and she dominated a smilier field in the Apollo Stakes first up.

James McDonald avoided any trouble in that race and I expect him to do the same in this event.

Hard to see anyone turning the tables on her and the price is reflective of that fact.

10. Atishu (7)

Finished second in the Group 1 Empire Rose before closing out her spring campaign with a dominant win in the Group 1 McKinnon Stakes against the boys by almost two lengths.

She’s won three times at Randwick, has an excellent second up record and represents great value at her current quote.

Verdict

Verry Elleegant Stakes

SELECTIONS

1st: No. 9 Fangirl
2nd: No. 1 Think It Over
3rd: No. 2 Cascading
4th: No. 10 Atishu

Fangirl

Winner

@11/20 - 10 Units

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