1. Southport Tycoon (2) - 58.5kg T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra Southport Tycoon is a dual Group 1 winning entire who claimed the Australian Guineas and Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes in 2024. His versatility from 1200m to 1600m has been an asset that will stand him in good stead when he is retired to serve as a stallion at Widden Stud, and his electric win in the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes last preparation has him installed as a rightful favourite here. He may have some traffic to negotiate from barrier 2, as he did in that thrilling Manikato win, but he has the best turn of foot in the race and is well suited under the Weight For Age conditions. 2. Steparty (8) - 58.5kg T: Paul Preusker J: Blaike McDougall Steparty won the Listed McKenzie Stakes over 1200m at The Valley in 2023 and claimed the Caulfield Guineas Prelude after that, before running 3rd in the Caulfield Guineas itself. By his lofty standards, his form took a nosedive through winter last year, but he has since been gelded and that ultimate gear change has seen him return to his best. Barrier 8 makes things tricky first up at 1200m, but he has residual fitness from recent racing and could elevate again this preparation. 3. It’sourtime (5) - 58.5kg T: Danny O’Brien J: Billy Egan Despite having had 40 starts already, trusty stalwart It’sourtime makes his Valley debut on Friday night. The 7-year-old gelding has often saved his best form for the Flemington straight, where he won the Group 3 Standish Handicap last start, but he should be the fittest horse in the race and gets a great opportunity to upset some of the more highly rated horses. Draws well in barrier 5 and will make his presence felt if he has circumstances to permit. 5. Schwarz (9) - 58.5kg T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Blake Shinn Sydney visitor Schwarz could go from a boy to a man this preparation. The four-year-old son of Zoustar was a $1.25 million purchase at the Magic Millions, and his career highlight came first up last prep when winning the Group 2 Missile Stakes at Randwick. His recent trial win was as good as horses go at the trials, and he gets Blake Shinn who should zoom across from barrier 9 to find a forward position in running. Verdict: Southport Tycoon to get the split and prove a shade too classy for Schwarz GROUP 2 CLAMMS SEAFOOD AUSTRALIA STAKES CONTENDERS BY BEN CALUZZI The $350,000 Group 2 Clamms Seafood Australia Stakes (1200m) kicks off 2025 at The Valley in style and there are four main chances in the market this year, headed by 2024 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes winner Southport Tycoon. The Australia Stakes has long been a race for class horses. The mighty Black Caviar won the race in 2010 and 2012, and other notable winners included Schillaci 1993, El Segundo 2007, and more recently Malaguerra 2017, Marabi 2022 and Veight 2024. The race has been run as a Saturday fixture for the past three years, but switches back to Friday night in 2025 to form the centrepiece of our return to racing under lights.
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