Morphettville trainer Paul Beshara believes his smart sprinter Richie’s Vibe is well over the odds for the Group 2 $200,000 Jeep Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Richie’s Vibe, green colours above, winning the 2014 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
Richie’s Vibe hasn’t visited the winner’s stall since be beat Group 1 winner Moment Of Change in 2014 Australia Stakes and bookmakers at Ladbrokes.com.au have the six year old listed as a $21 chance.
But Beshara insists that Richie’s Vibe is getting back to some decent form with a last start second in the Listed $100,000 Christmas Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville on December 26.
“I reckon he’s the best each-way bet in the race – $21, that’s incredible,” Beshara told racing.com.
“He’ll run in the top three.
“It’s a bit sad it’s the last win he had.
“He’s run a few placings and been all around the place but we’re hoping (Saturday) could be the day.”
Richie’s Vibe carried 59kg with Jamie Kah in the saddle in the Christmas Handicap and Beshara was impressed with the effort.
“It was a very good second, he had 59kg, he carried it well,” Beshara said.
“He just got run down in the straight but he’s a bit fitter now, so Moonee Valley will suit him.”
But Beshara does admit that Richie’s Vibe will need plenty of luck in a strong field that boasts four Group 1 winners and has called on the services of Damien Oliver again who steered the bay gelding to victory in the 2014 Australia Stakes.
“He just needs a bit of luck,” Beshara said.
“He’ll be very competitive.”
Richie’s Vibe is the winner of five races from twenty-four starts and has earned $392,700 in prizemoney.
Group 1 winners Rebel Dane, Mourinho, Hucklebuck and Trust In A Gust are all well in contention in the betting with all four using the Australia Stakes as their Autumn Carnival starting point.
Australia Stakes market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.20 Rebel Dane, $6 Durendal, $7.50 Holler, $9 Mourinho, Hucklebuck, Trust In A Gust, $10 Rageese, $11 Sirbible, $18 Churchill Dancer, $21 Richie’s Vibe, $31 It Is Written, $91 Written Up, Kievann.
