PB Lawrence Stakes 2016 race preview
12 August 2016 10:41 AM
Caulfield is currently rated a Good 4 and with no rain predicted over the weekend in Melbourne, punters are in for a cracking day of racing. There are four quality races on the nine race program including a Group 2, two Group 3's and a Listed race. The feature event is the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes run over 1400m for $200,000 in prizemoney under weight-for-age conditions. The race sees the return of some smart thoroughbreds beginning their spring campaigns and other runners with a few runs under their belt.
The 1400m starts in a chute where runners jump almost immediately into a hair pun turn that leads them into the side straight, making barrier positions a significant factor. Historical barrier strike rate statistics show a clear advantage to the inside barriers with the first 5 gates performing best over the distance.
Mahuta ran well when first-up over 1200m in the Bletchingly finishing 2.8 lengths behind the winner. He has won all four starts over 1400m. Expect improvement here.
Suavito has won her last two fresh starts, both in good company. Last preparation she won the CF Orr fresh over 1400m and the preparation before that it was the Group 1 Futurity. Drawn well to get a nice ride.
Lord Of The Sky won well last start in the Bletchingly. Is capable of improving based on past efforts e.g. ran second to Chautauqua and in front of Terra Vista. 1400m is the unknown.
Miss Rose De Lago was strong fresh last preparation when running a close second to Azkadellia. Looked good in recent jump-outs and barrier one with early speed looks ideal on this course. In this.
The Cleaner almost won when first-up over 1400m last preparation in the G2 Lawrence. Good gate should see him get to his usual forward position relatively easily here. Can go one better fresh this time.
Jameka promised a lot last preparation when she finished 1 length fourth in the G3 Vanity first-up. Didn't lose by much in quality races after that with bad barriers most the time. Has the class and can figure with a positive ride.
Jacquinot Bay looked like the mile was beyond him last start. Prior to that notched-up two wins over 1400m. Weight for age likely to test here.
Awesome Rock wasn't bad first-up in the CF Orr last preparation when he was a fast finishing 3.2 lengths behind the winner. Jumped from barrier 17 that day. Expect him to take a more forward position here from barrier four. Not hopeless.
Smokin' Joey resumed last start in the Bletchingly finishing midfield after running home okay off a sluggish tempo. Expect more speed here which should suit. Ran second to Suavito in the 2015 Futurity over this distance at Caulfield.
Entirely Platinum is a proven fresh performer. Last preparation wasn't great first-up in the CF Orr but did work early then faded that time.Great record over this distance.
Set Square was a nose away second first-up last preparation this distance and track. Likely to be looking for longer in future runs this campaign but hasn't missed a place from three 1400m runs.
Looks too short for Tall Ship and Magnapal whose 1400m wins came earlier in his career in much easier races. Berisha likely to be tested in this company.
1st Suavito has a strong fresh record and 4-1-2 this track and distance is exceptional. Drawn well and with Walker taking the reigns she's right in this.
2nd Miss Rosa De Lago
3rd Awesome Rock
Mike Steward
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