Gilgai Stakes Winner is Anyone's Guess

Although trainer Joe Pride used the Gr2 Gilgai Stakes as a lead up race to The Everest a few years back when Private Eye (Al Maher) won down the Flemington straight before beating all bar Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) in the $15m sprint, there doesn't appear to be an Everest candidate in Saturday's race, at least not on paper anyway. While the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained War Machine (Harry Angel-Caserta, by Hussonet) went to another level last time in, winning the Gr3 BRC Sprint before success in the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap, the 5YO gelding is yet to win at 1200m, and surely connections would like to see him charging home late. Having just his second start for the Ciaron Maher stable and now resuming after a spell, the former Matthew Smith trained Buenos Noches (Supido-Koi, by Northern Meteor) has solid Flemington straight form on his side, winning the Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m), finishing second in the Gr2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) before third in the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at 3, while the 6YO also has a second to Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) in the Gr1 Darley Champions Sprint (1200m) in November 2023. Given two easy trials into Saturday's race and with fair first up form, the Widden Stud bred gelding is not without a chance. Having won three of her last five starts including two at black type level, 4YO mare Bridal Waltz (Snitzel-Charleston Dancer, by Lonhro) comes into the race off a Pakenham jumpout victory. Drawn barrier 13 of 17, it's hard to know what side of the track may be favoured, but if she can get a cosy run up on the speed without too much pressure, then she may have enough in the tank when it matters.