Australia Preview for Aug. 8

The path towards the $14 million Everest (G1) begins in earnest on Aug. 8 with the Missile Stakes (G2) at Randwick. Eight runners have paid up for the sprint, and while few would be regarded as prime Everest contenders, several will be hoping they do enough to earn a slot in the big race.

Randwick, Race 8, 1:40 a.m. Saturday ET: Missile Stakes (G2), 1,200 meters (about six furlongs), three-year-olds and up.

• $2 trifecta: 1 with 2,3,7 with 2,3,4,6,7 ($24)
• $1 trifecta: 2,3,7 with 1,2,3,7 with 1,2,3,4,6,7 ($36)

One horse that contested last year’s Everest is in the Missile field: #1 Angel Capital (9-5). Sixth in last year's big race, the five-year-old son of Harry Angel is a very good sprinter. He’s yet to win at Group 1 level, but he went close last season, finishing second in the CF Orr to Jimmysstar, third to Joliestar in the Newmarket, and second to Jigsaw in the William Reid. 

Perhaps the most notable thing in his favor in the Missile is an outstanding record fresh from a spell. In five races with a break of at least 10 weeks between races, he’s won four times; the only defeat was in the Expressway (G2) in February this year, when he was fourth behind subsequent Royal Ascot placegetter Joliestar.

With all due respect to his Missile opponents, none are in the same realm as Joliestar, so he looks set to take a lot of beating. James McDonald takes the ride.

The best of Angel Capital’s opponents looks to be the mare #7 Gangsta Granny (5-2). She has been kept away from Group 1 level, but she has a good record just outside the best class, winning twice at Group 3 level last term and finishing third in two Group 2 races. She’s won twice in a fresh state and can be expected to race well from the ace draw.

Hoping to take advantage of his race seasoning is #4 Midnight Dynamite (7-1). He’s been in great form over six autumn and winter starts, winning four and placing twice. None have been above ungraded stakes level, but he’s been in dominant form and will appreciate the likelihood of rain-affected ground.

Two newly turned four-year-olds with some credentials for this race are #2 Ninja (5-2) and #3 Napoleonic (5-1). The pair finished first and second in the seven-furlong Hobartville (G2) at Rosehill Feb. 21. Ninja has started just once since, for a tiring fifth in the one-mile Randwick Guineas (G1), while Napoleonic had a longer autumn campaign, his best effort coming when third in the six-furlong Doomben 10,000 (G1) May 16. 

Ninja and Napoleonic faced each other twice in barrier trials in July, with the score one apiece; results in these matters are less important than how the horses looked fitness-wise, and the pair looked good in both. Of the two, Ninja could have the brighter future, but Napoleonic may be the better suited to this trip.

Of the others, #6 Fully Lit (39-1) races for the first time since last spring, when he was second in the one-mile Epsom (G1), and may find this a bit short but could sneak a place. #5 Way To The Stars (77-1) and #8 Aviatress (99-1) look outclassed.

There’s always some doubt when horses are resuming, but the race does look set up for Angel Capital. You could take him just for the win, but I like the option of trifectas with some weighted more heavily to the prospect of him winning.

BONUS PLAY – NEW ZEALAND

Riccarton, Race 7, 11:02 p.m. Friday ET: Merivale Mall Open, 1,800m (about 1 1/8 miles), handicap, all ages

• $10 win/$20 show, #1 Quintabelle (5-2): Could not have been more impressive winning the Winter Cup last week. Should back up well and handle the extra furlong.