Multiple Group 1 winner Criterion has opened $6 favourite to win the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 12.
Criterion was disappointing last start in finishing 9th in the Hong Kong Cup, but was previously impressive last campaign where it won the Caulfield Stakes.
“Criterion looks ideally suited by the weight-for-age conditions and 2000 metres at Flemington,” said TAB’s Nick Quinn.
“It loves the distance with its last two Group 1 wins coming over that journey.”
Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan and Turnbull Stakes winner Preferment share the second line of betting at $8.
EXCITING EXOSPHERE THE ONE TO BEAT
Boom three-year-old colt Exosphere is the $4 favourite to win the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 12.
Exosphere trialled impressively on Monday at Warwick Farm.
“Exosphere has huge potential and should be well treated when the weights are announced,” said TAB’s Nick Quinn.
“The only question mark is the fact he failed at his only attempt in Melbourne, which was down the Flemington straight in the Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring.”
Chautauqua is nominated but likely to skip the race with the T J Smith in Sydney the main aim.
TAB.COM.AU ODDS
Australian Guineas (March 5)
$6 Press Statement
$8 Perfect Reflection
$8 Tarzino
$11 Mahuta
$11 Palentino
$11 Pride of Dubai
$11 Xtravagant
$15 or longer others
http://bit.ly/1ZRf4Mt
Australian Cup (March 12)
$6 Criterion
$8 Mongolian Khan
$8 Preferment
$11 Almoonqith
$11 Amralah
$11 Magic Hurricane
$11 Press Statement
$15 or longer others
http://bit.ly/1PBNDH3
Newmarket Handicap (March 12)
$4 Exosphere
$5.50 Chautauqua (unlikely)
$7 Delectation
$7 Japonisme
$9 Terravista
$11 Counterattack
$15 or longer others
http://bit.ly/1nNM2S6