Empire Rose Stakes Preview

The Kiwis look to repeat history and take home the Empire Rose yet again in what looks to be a hot field for the fillies and mares over the mile. Will it be La Crique to show her hand and prove her class across the ditch or is an upset on the cards?

Icebath blew the start last week and was never a chance after that. Was great prior to that in the Epsom behind Ellsberg and Top Ranked and she if can run up to that form is capable of scaring the favourite.

Palispan was good last start behind a handy one in Chain Of Lightning at Caulfield. Rises to 1600 here of which she’s had two starts for no placings but has run ok. Competitive in Group 1 grade and might sneak into the placings but others are stronger.

La Crique was arguably the best horse in New Zealand last preparation and has come back well once again running third and winning since resuming in Group 1 grade. The runner up from her last victory Mustang Valley has since gone on to taste Group 1 glory. Capable of winning in any condition and especially at this trip. Barrier 8 is perfect and should jump, lead and win.

She’s Licketysplit is capable of making this a Kiwi quinella. Has won at this track and trip two starts back and was good enough last start on very heavy ground in The Thousand Guineas. Should improve again, and from barrier 6 should find the box seat behind the favourite. Place chance.

Yearning rises in distance something of which she’s been searching for. Been racing well enough in good grades though and has had a soft jump out since, where she worked nicely through the line. Will be rock hard fit and is a place chance and one for the exotics.

La Crique looks way too strong, and I can’t see her getting beaten. She’s Licketysplit in for second to complete the Kiwi quinella with Icebath in for third and Palispan in for fourth.