Danehill Stakes winner The Next Episode heads the Coolmore Stud Stakes market, while Jamie Melham's failed appeal means husband Ben takes the ride on Satono Glow.
The $2 million Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) is the big sprint on Derby Day at Flemington this Saturday, and the race for three-year-olds has a familiar look at the top of the market.
The Next Episode is the one to beat
Ciaron Maher's The Next Episode is favourite after winning the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on 3 October. He beat Natural Fling by a short neck that day, and Mark Zahra has been riding him. Saturday will be his first try at Group 1 level.
Melham misses Satono Glow
The main Sydney hope, Satono Glow, has a new rider after Jamie Melham's appeal against her suspension failed. Melham received a four-meeting ban for careless riding on Everest Day, and it runs through Derby Day, though she'll be back for Melbourne Cup Day. Her husband Ben Melham takes over on the filly.
Trained by John O'Shea and Tom Charlton, Satono Glow has won four of her five starts. She was impressive in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill on 10 October and has won both her Flemington starts under Jamie Melham.
Others to consider
- St Gotthard (Chris Waller) – second to Warwoven in both the Golden Rose and the Run To The Rose.
- Natural Fling (Tony & Calvin McEvoy) – narrowly beaten by The Next Episode in the Danehill.
- Pembrey (Tony Gollan) – won the Silver Shadow Stakes first-up in August, then finished midfield in the Furious Stakes and hasn't raced since. Craig Williams has the ride.
The punting angle
The Danehill form is the strongest local guide, but it was a close finish, and Natural Fling won't need much improvement to turn the tables. Satono Glow brings the best Sydney form, and her record at Flemington is worth noting. The change of rider shouldn't put you off, because Ben Melham is a Group 1 winner in his own right.