Champion mare Verry Elleegant has opened a clear favourite ahead of book galloper Zaaki for the Chipping Norton stablemate Espiona heads betting for the Coolmore Classic.
The NSW TAB has released its future markets for the Sydney autumn carnival and Melbourne Cup champ Verry Elleegant dominated the big races.
Despite coming off a 3200m race last November, she’s opened as a $2.80 favourite for the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) where she should go second-up after her resumption in the Apollo Stakes on February 12.
Zaaki is the $4.50 second pick but is also an equal $3.50 favourite with Lost And Running for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m).
Icebath is a second favourite for the Queen of the Turf and punters will get a guide on how she’s returned when she takes on Verry Elleegant next month first-up.
Brad Widdup was happy with what he saw from Icebath in a trial at Warwick Farm on Thursday morning when she ran second behind Home Affairs.
“She’ll have another trial on Monday the 29th then run in the Apollo Stakes on February 12,” Widdup aid.
“I need to have her at a certain level of fitness at that level for 1400m first-up.”
Boom horse Espiona is the $6 favourite for the Coolmore Classic and a $4.50 favourite for the Vinery Stud Stakes and also leads the market at $6 in the Queen of the Turf Stakes.
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Should trainers need to do what jockeys do and start off in the country before applying to train in the metropolitan area?
Warwick Farm…
