Buckle up racing fans, because Morphettville is about to witness a sprinting showdown for the ages! The Robert Sangster Stakes returns this Saturday, with a stacked field featuring the champion mare Zapateo gunning for a historic three-peat. But will Chicago Storm’s dominance or a surprise challenger spoil the party? Don’t miss the race that promises electrifying speed and a thrilling battle for sprinting glory!

• Date: Saturday, April 27th, 2024
• Location: Morphettville Racecourse
• Distance: 1200 Meters
• Conditions: WFA
• Status: Group 1
• Prize Money: $500,000 AUD

1. Zapateo (3) – The Galaxy winner. Recent form sound. Comes here off a 35-day let-up. Most recently won by a nose at Rosehill G1 The Galaxy March 23 over 1100m defeating Sunshine In Paris with 53kg at $26. The race before that gave a sight but was run down late 2nd of 7 at Randwick in the G2 Challenge on March 9 over 1000m, 0.7 len behind Passive Aggressive with 56.5kg at $19. Can get the job done again.

2. I Am Me (2) – The Galaxy winner. Recent form sound. Comes here off a 35-day let-up. Most recently won by a nose at Rosehill G1 The Galaxy March 23 over 1100m defeating Sunshine In Paris with 53kg at $26. The race before that gave a sight but was run down late 2nd of 7 at Randwick in the G2 Challenge on March 9 over 1000m, 0.7 len behind Passive Aggressive with 56.5kg at $19. Can get the job done again.

3. Passive Aggressive (6) – Multiple Group 2 winner. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up won by 0.7 len at Randwick G2 Challenge March 9 over 1000m defeating Zapateo carrying 56.5kg at $7.50. Last start 6th of 14 at Rosehill in the G1 The Galaxy on March 23 over 1100m, 2.5 len behind Zapateo carrying 54kg at $11. Fitter and should relish the step up to 1200m.

4. Benedetta (1) – Multiple Group 3 winner. Going well. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by a long-neck at this track G3 R N Irwin April 13 over 1100m defeating Climbing Star carrying 56.5kg at $3. The run before that 4th of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 1.75 len behind Cylinder with 52kg at $17. Strong each-way hope with the assistance of the inside draw.

5. Roots (9) – Multiple Group 2 winner. Second-up. First-up after four months 3rd of 15 at Rosehill in the G3 St Kingdom on March 30 over 1200m, 1.75 len behind Bandi’s Boy with 57kg at $13. Previously second-up second last of 12 at Randwick Invitation on October 28 over 1400m, 4 len behind Espiona carrying 58kg at $9. Fitter and worth including.

6. Skew Wiff (5) – Tarzino Trophy winner. At the latest run 7th of 14 at this track in the G3 R N Irwin on April 13 over 1100m, 4.5 len behind Benedetta carrying 56.5kg at $26. The start before that second last of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 16 len behind Cylinder with 52kg at $61. Others make more appeal.

7. Climbing Star (14) – Group 2 placegetter. Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming won by 2.75 len at this track LR Matrice March 23 over 1200m defeating Party Princess with 54.5kg at $5.50. Second run from a spell 2nd of 14 at this track in the G3 R N Irwin on April 13 over 1100m, long-neck behind Benedetta carrying 56.5kg at $4.50. Has been racing well. Top prospects.

8. Lempicka (4) – Dual acceptor. Most recently came from the tail of the field 2nd of 10 at Flemington Mares Hcp on March 30 over 1100m, neck behind Senegalia carrying 58.5kg at $8. The start before that ran on strongly from last on the turn and won by a neck at Caulfield Vgold Comet March 16 over 1000m defeating Perilous Fighter with 54kg at $5. Close-up last start but this looks a stretch.

9. Wonderful Tonight (12) – Group 3 placegetter. At the latest run won by 2 len at Otaki LR Napier Sprint April 13 over 1200m on a heavy track defeating Wewillrock with 55.5kg at $4. The start before that 3rd of 13 at Trentham in the LR Lightning Hcp on March 16 over 1200m, slow going 1.4 len behind Our Echo with 53kg at $4.80. Can’t recommend.

10. Snapped (7) – Group 3 winner. Last start came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 14 at this track in the G3 R N Irwin on April 13 over 1100m, 2.25 len behind Benedetta carrying 56.5kg at $21. The race before that won by 1.1 len at this track LR City Marion February 24 over 1200m defeating Grinzinger Prince carrying 55.5kg at $11. Racing okay but look elsewhere.

11. Waltz On By (8) – Group 2 placegetter. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resumes off a 42 day letup. First-up 2nd in a small field at Flemington Mares Hcp on March 2 over 1100m, 0.8 len behind Sans Doute with 57kg at $4.50. Second-up won by 1.0 len at Caulfield F&M Swp March 16 over 1200m defeating Lady Jones carrying 57kg at $6. Won last start and is well-placed again.

12. Estriella (11) – Group 3 winner. On a three run winning streak. Last start favourite; won by 2.5 len at Flemington LR Sunlight Class. March 30 over 1100m defeating Arkansaw Kid carrying 56.5kg at $2. The run before that favourite; won by 0.8 len at Flemington Inglis Sprint March 2 over 1200m defeating Robrick with 57.5kg at $3. Winning hope.

13. Learning To Fly (13) – Group 2 winner. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Not raced for 56 days. First-up 2nd of 11 at Randwick in the G2 Lghtfinger on February 17 over 1200m, slow going nose behind Kimochi with 56kg at $4. Last start 4th of 12 at Randwick in the G1 Surround on March 2 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Tropical Squall carrying 56kg at $3.50. Not far away last time but hard to have in this contest.

14. Stretan Angel (10) – Group 2 winner. Third-up today. First-up ran on from midfield; 4th of 15 at Flemington in the LR Sunlight Class. On March 30 over 1100m, 3 len behind Estriella carrying 57kg at $5.50. Last start 2nd of 11 at this track in the LR Redelva on April 13 over 1100m, 0.8 len behind Sir Sway carrying 58kg at $2.60. Needs plenty of luck.

Our tips for the day!

Group 3 winner ESTRIELLA (12) is in exceptional form with wins at her last three starts including a 1100m win at Flemington last start. Only has to run out the 1200m first to make it four straight. Multiple Group 2 winner PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE (3) ran sixth last start at Rosehill over 1100m when beaten 2.5 lengths. Talented mare with plenty of upside. Is a strong chance to take this. The Galaxy winner ZAPATEO (1) found the win last time out by a nose at Rosehill. Should give this a shake. Group 2 winner I AM ME (2) placed third by 2.25 lengths last start when fresh at Moonee Valley and should be prominent, looks a place chance. Multiple Group 3 winner BENEDETTA (4) is in winning form scoring at this track and is going well winning two races from four runs last campaign, can measure up.

Tips: (12)-(3)-(1)-(2)-(4)