Skybird, Captain Amelia share favouritism for Fillies Classic
The Group 2 Fillies Classic has attracted a field of 11 runners who will do battle over the 1600m at Moonee Valley this Saturday afternoon.
Unbeaten after two races, the Mitchell Freedman-trained Skybird has opened as the equal favourite and is expected to appreciate the rise in distance to 1600m.
Joining her at the top of the market is the John O’Shea-trained Captain Amelia, with both fillies marked at +360 with online bookmakers.
After running in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes and Group 1 Flight Stakes at her last two starts, the daughter of Dundeel brings the best recent form into this $300,000 contest.
Although she is still a maiden, Broadcaster from the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace yard has opened as a +400 second favourite after finishing third in the Listed Reginald Allen Quality at Randwick last start.
The Grahame Begg-trained Carina Queen comes in second-up having brought up a second career victory at Sandown in a 3YO Fillies Quality last start.
The last of the single-figure hopes is the Andrew Forsman-trained Aprilia, who performed admirably when staying on for second place behind Zardozi in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington last start.
Poifect from the Ben, Will & JD Hayes stable is coming off a sub-par performance in that same race, but from barrier one, she must be seen as a knockout chance with Mark Zahra retaining the ride.
Pier Pressure finally broke her maiden for trainer Kris Lees at Hawkesbury as a long odds-on favourite at her most recent start, and the daughter of Press Statement will bring strong Group 1 form out of The Championships this year in Sydney.
Fillies Classic 2023 field
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