Battle of the Bernardinis In Epsom?

BATTLE OF THE BERNARDINIS IN EPSOM? 
The G1 Epsom H. is the most prestigious mile contest of the Sydney spring carnival, and defending race winner Boban (Aus) (Bernardini) will have to see off a stiff challenge if he is to repeat. The 5-year-old gelding has added a further two Group 1 victories since that breakthrough score, but has not won since taking the G1 Chipping Norton S. in March. His three runs this season have not been discouraging, however. He finished strongly below his optimum distance when fourth in the 1200 meter G2 Missile S. Aug. 9 and fifth in the 1400 meter G1 Memsie S. Aug. 30, and was most recently fifth again in the G1 Makybe Diva S. Sept. 13. The Chris Waller charge tuned up for this with a trial victory at Warwick Farm Sept. 26. Toydini (Aus) (Bernardini) became a flagbearer for his sire Down Under when winning four group races last year, and he was third in this 12 months ago. He finished gamely to be third on seasonal debut in the G2 Tramway S. Sept. 6, but could manage only eighth of 10 in the G1 George Main S. Sept. 20. 

As is always the case in Sydney’s biggest races Boban’s trainer Chris Waller brings a formidable team, and this one is completed by race favorite Royal Descent (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}), exciting import He’s Your Man (Fr) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Team Valor’s Lucky Chappy (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}). Royal Descent has not won since clinching the G1 Australian Oaks 16 months ago, but the 5-year-old’s reputation has hardly been marred, as she has finished runner-up in some of the country’s most important contests, including the G1 Doncaster Mile in April. She comes into this off three straight runner-up finishes this season: the G2 Warwick S. Aug. 23, the G2 Chelmsford S. Sept. 6 and the George Main. 

Hooked (Aus) (Casino Prince {Aus}) already made headlines this week when topping the racehorse section of the Patinack Dispersal at the cost of A$600,000 from Sean Buckley, and the 4-year-old–who won the G3 Cameron H. at Newcastle Sept. 17–will look to repay part of that investment for his new owner today. 

Trainer Gai Waterhouse boasts an exemplary record in this event, having won it six times since 2002 and seven overall, and she saddles a trio in Liberty’s Choice (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}), Pheidon (Aus) (Al Maher {Aus}) andWoodbine (Aus) (Hussonet).