The G1 Darley Goodwood S. is South Australia's most important sprinting contest, and indeed some worthy shippers have lined up for a shot at the A$500,000 pot on Saturday. Black Heart Bart (Aus) (Blackfriars {Aus}) is the early favourite as he wraps up a productive season that has seen him finish first or second in all three outings. Nosed out by The Quarterback (Aus) (Street Boss) in the G1 Newmarket H. Mar. 12, he dropped down in class to take Caulfield's G3 Victoria H. going 1400 metres two weeks later, and was again a head second over the same distance in the G1 All Aged S. at Randwick Apr. 16. He has won over this trip three times and searches for his first Group 1 win. The Quarterback looks to bounce back from two respectable losses since the Newmarket, but will have work to do coming from behind in a full field from the rail draw.
Flamberge (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) is a two-time Group 1 winner this year, having taken the G1 Oakleigh Plate and the G1 William Reid S., the latter over this trip, but was an eased-down last in the G1 TJ Smith S. Apr. 2 and will navigate from a wide draw here.
Singapore's unbeaten champion 2-year-old Super One (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) failed to make an impact second-up in Australia in the G1 Coolmore Stud S. in October for trainer Michael Freedman, beating just one home in 11th, but the 3-year-old made a big impression over this track when making a winning belated seasonal debut for Freedman's brothers, Anthony and Lee Freedman, in the G3 D C McKay S. May 7, and enjoys a weight-break from the favourites here. Another who will benefit from carrying less weight is the mare Sheidel (Aus) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), who endured a huge class jump May 7 to finish second in the G1 UBET Classic over this track and trip, but faces a much deeper field this time.
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