The Newcastle Spring Champion Stakes form shone through at last Saturday’s Rosehill meeting. Ellsberg and The Elanora were dominant winners whilst fellow 3yo Edison produced an inspired finish when headed halfway up the straight to pip Enchanted Heart on the post. Let’s take a look at the horses that The Plunge wants to follow next start.
Ellsberg
- Race 2
- Distance 1500m
- Class BM 72
There had been some uncertainty over whether the form from Newcastle’s 3 yo Spring Champion Stakes would hold up, particularly amongst the older horses. All that was made to look silly after Ellsberg and The Elanora both saluted on Saturday. Ellsberg was dominant winning by 4.3L and running impressive time after Clark was able to pinch some cheap sectionals early on.
When To Next?
Ellsberg will most likely head to Queensland where a run in the 3yo Guineas at Gold Coast wouldn’t be a bad option. There is a BM 78 race over 1600m at Randwick which will suit perfectly as a lead up run to a Qld campaign. He will be unlikely to receive an easy time in front and may run into Edison who was another impressive winner on Saturday.
Overall, there should be subsequent winners emerge from this race. Joliette is knocking on the door and Toscanini is a 3yo on the rise and should be hard to beat next start.
Dhakuri
- Race 4
- Distance 1800m
- Class BM 72
This Godolphin 3yo looks to be a promising stayer in the making. He settled at the rear of the field on Saturday and produced impressive closing sectionals to claim 3rd place behind The Elanora. This was all despite being last on the turn, placed in a pocket until the 200m and receiving interference from a wayward stablemate at the 150m. He flew home the last 100m and looks like he is ready to run a big race over 2000m.
Where To Next?
Any 2000m race in a similar grade looks ideal. There is a 2000m race in two weeks at Randwick but it will be a big jump in grade under BM 88 conditions.
