Sometimes it sneaks up without warning and sometimes, it’s a bit of a forgotten entity on a Friday night, but not this year!
The William Reid Stakes could turn out to be the sprint of the season in 2020. Seven of the ten confirmed starters are previous Group 1 winners, several are The Valley specialists, some have a fitness edge and some absolutely fly fresh.
There really is a case to be made for nearly every horse, but you can find my 2020 William Reid Stakes tips below.
WILLIAM REID STAKES – WINNER
No. 9 Bivouac – Bet Now: $2.50
Bivouac had the Newmarket Handicap won at the 500m a fortnight ago and once again, he’ll take a power of beating in the William Reid. You don’t need me to tell you about the Exceed And Excel colt’s record and ability because clearly, it speaks for itself, but he is now a two-time Group 1 winner and in my opinion, is the best sprinter currently going around. His chances in the Manikato here in spring were undone by the rails draw, which he’ll have to deal with again on Friday, but I think it’s fair to say that he’s a better horse this time and will take beating regardless.
WILLIAM REID STAKES – 2ND
No. 11 Loving Gaby – Bet Now: $5.00
Loving Gaby won the Manikato here in spring and her chances of recording another Group 1 win in the William Reid took a huge boost on Wednesday when she was allocated the ideal barrier 5. She’s a horse that simply does not run a bad race and she filled the minors in the Black Caviar Lightning first-up before hitting the line for second behind Bivouac in the Newmarket last time out, albeit well beaten. Craig Williams stays aboard and with only 54kgs in tow, I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.
WILLIAM REID STAKES – 3RD
No. 1 Scales Of Justice – Bet Now: $9.50
Scales Of Justice has been freshened for his run in the William Reid Stakes and that could prove the difference in a successful run. The multiple Group 1 winner turned back the clock in spring, adding the Memsie Stakes to his mantle most notably, and he returned in January this year to beat a Group 1 quality field to the line in the Australia Stakes, importantly at this track and trip. He can find a prominent position in running from barrier 3 and clearly still has the class to match it with the star three-year-olds.
WILLIAM REID STAKES – 4TH
No. 5 Zoutori – Bet Now: $31.00
Speaking of horses that have gone to another level this time, Zoutori couldn’t have been more impressive without scoring a Group 1 win in 2020 and with even luck, he’ll be in in the finish of the William Reid Stakes as well. The Zoustar gelding has been a strong and consistent performer for the Ellerton & Zahra yard for several preps now but mustered an eye-catching turn of foot to finish second behind Pippie in the Oakleigh Plate when resuming, before running fourth in the Newmarket last time out. He’s ready to peak third-up this week.
Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #9 Bivouac
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below