Race 7A (Rosehill) – Toohey’s New Golden Slipper (Purse = $2.7 Million US Dollars) – Sat 1:30 AM EDT

Quick!  What is the two year old race in the world with the largest monetary purse?  If you answered “The Toohey’s Golden Slipper” you would be correct.  In the mid-1950’s, Australian breeders and owners conceived of a race that would showcase the continent’s commitment to speed and two year old quality.  Since then the “Slipper” has been the world’s richest 2yo race, even more valuable in monetary terms than the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile.

Here is my assessment on the race (Picks 5-1-4-9-13-8-6-3-2):

#5 Exosphere (2/1 on my line) Is my highest rated horse and if he can handle the drier conditions this race is over.  Able to run from mid-pack, this horse is explosive, yet also seems like he has more to give.  The expected fast pace from #4 Haptic figures to set up his late run.

#1 Vancouver (4/1) is extremely talented and put up the best speed figure (111) coming into this race.  He’s definitely good enough to win, but he will be in post 15 of 16 and the wide draw may cost him the win.  Only 2 starters have left posts 15 or 16 and won the slipper in the last 30 years.

#4 Haptic (9/1) is my long shot special.  Some consider this one a “rabbit” for Exosphere, but on paper my figures have him leading late and on speed figures he is marginally competitive with the top two.  He’s currently 15/1 in Australia.

#9 Reemah (13/1) comes out of the $700,000 US Dollar Blue Diamond at Caulfield, where she just missed the win.  While it is considered unconventional to race colts against fillies in North America, in Australasia they do it all the time, and this race bears it out.  The Golden Slipper has been won by 7 geldings, 26 colts and 25 fillies.  The morning like on this filly is 40/1 so don’t be afraid to use her in your exotic wagers!

#13, #8, $6, #3, #2 and #14 are all talented horses that have a 20/1 shot to win.  The other runners are, in my estimation are 100/1 or longer.