Coolmore Stud Stakes Tips - Godolphin in box seat to claim stallion making race

Twelve speedsters line up down the Flemington straight, and once again it’s the Godolphin blue that dominates the conversation.

Beiwacht ($3.50), the Golden Rose winner (1400m), was electrifying in Sydney when running 13.9 lengths faster than standard benchmark, and he was given a month freshen for this race target. Chris Waller has since sent him down for a look at the Flemington straight – a strategy that has preceded six of his previous winners in the race. His trial was measured but sharp, and his sectionals confirm he has maintained peak figures.

Stablemate Tentyris ($3.50) arrives as the fresh horse on the scene after a barn-storming win in the Gothic Stakes (1200m), going 12.3 lengths faster than standard. 

Anthony & Sam Freedman have timed his prep beautifully after injury ruled him out of the Golden Slipper – and he has since proven that his powerful finish is tailor-made for the long Flemington run-in.

From the Sydney camp, Beadman ($5) and Skyhook ($11) also bring classy credentials – the former a Roman Consul runner-up who closed hard behind Hidden Motive, and the latter a Golden Rose placegetter with solid straight-track form. 

McGaw, My Gladiola and Raging Force all come through the Danehill and Gothic Stakes and have clocked benchmarks around 14 lengths faster than standard, indicating genuine depth across the Melbourne form.

The historical edge leans to the Sydney colts – NSW-trained runners have won 12 of the last 17 Coolmores – but the Victorians hold home ground advantage and straight-track experience. 

Expect McGaw, Tycoon Star, and Raging Force to press forward early, setting a solid tempo down the grandstand side. Beiwacht and Beadman can settle in behind the leaders, while Tentyris and Legacy Bound take a trail and look for cover midfield. Skyhook and My Gladiola drawn low may test the inside lanes. Expect a strong early tempo with a dash home — a setup that historically suits horses capable of running sub-11 splits late.

Tentyris ($3.50) – Profile peaks perfectly for Derby Day. Has Flemington experience, is fit and fresh, and should have improvement to come following his dominant Caulfield win. Third up in the autumn, he improved five lengths on benchmark fiures to finish runner-up in the Blue Diamond and suspect his timing is perfect for this. Mark Zahra sticks and the Freedman team know how to scoop a grand final.

Legacy Bound ($19) – Unbeaten before her Danehill when 4th and possibly in the wrong part of the track. She actually came home faster over the last 200m that Tentyris in that race. She’s a strong finisher and should relish the Flemington straight, particularly if we see a truly run affair. Benchmark figures and closing sectionals say she’s capable of producing a surprise each-way finish.