Storyville’s impressive victory in the Group 2 W.A Guineas positions her as a top contender for the upcoming Group 1 Northerly Stakes, as jockey William Pike and co-trainer Grant Williams eye further success in Australian horse racing.
In the exhilarating realm of Australian horse racing, few triumphs have garnered the same level of interest from fans and experts as Storyville's impressive performance in Saturday’s Group 2 W.A Guineas (1600m). The Overshare filly has risen as a formidable contender, sharing the favouritism at $7 for the esteemed Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on December 7. Her rapid ascent is not solely attributed to a remarkable victory; it also highlights her potential for even greater achievements in the weeks ahead.
Following her impressive victory in the Guineas, Storyville has established herself as a top contender for the Northerly Stakes. Her mile performance not only highlighted her raw talent but also showcased significant potential for growth. "I believe she is probably operating at about 80 or 90 percent of her capabilities," remarked jockey William Pike after the win. This statement is particularly noteworthy considering the filly's ability to make a powerful finish in a race that Pike claims wasn't even her optimal performance. Should she harness that untapped potential, the Northerly Stakes could very well be within her reach.
Pike's belief in Storyville is moderated by the understanding that the filly is still developing. He mentioned her tough victory and pointed out that the two-week interval between the W.A Guineas and the Northerly Stakes should allow sufficient time for her to rest and grow. "Those choices are up to the team," Pike remarked, acknowledging the expertise of Storyville's connections.
Co-trainer Grant Williams, who has an impressive track record with the Northerly Stakes, is well-versed in the complexities of aiming for this race. Having trained four previous winners of the Northerly Stakes, including the three-year-old fillies Perfect Reflection (2015) and Arcadia Queen (2018), Williams remains optimistic that Storyville can contribute to the legacy of three-year-old fillies excelling in this event. "She has done an incredible job," Williams stated, conveying his belief in Storyville's preparedness for the challenge of competing at Group 1 level.
For Williams and his team, the Northerly Stakes is more than just another race; it presents a chance to secure another esteemed victory for their already impressive record. Storyville's swift ascent in the racing ranks, along with her potential for further growth, establishes her as a prominent contender for the $1 million prize on December 7.
Despite Storyville's impressive ascent in the betting markets, the race for the Northerly Stakes is far from a one-horse race. Attrition, who recently finished a commendable fourth in the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on November 9, shares the top spot in the betting at $7 alongside Storyville. His reliable performance and capacity to deliver a strong showing at this level position him as a serious contender for the win.
Further adding to the intrigue surrounding the Northerly Stakes is Super Smink, who has become another significant contender. Following a strong third-place finish behind Port Lockroy in the Railway Stakes, Super Smink's odds have notably decreased from $11 to $8. Her elevation in the betting market is well-earned, as she showcased a competitive spirit that could make her a prominent force in the run-up to the Northerly.
Significantly, September Born, who was once considered a frontrunner for the Northerly Stakes, has seen his odds shift from $5 to $8 after a lackluster showing in the W.A Guineas. With the race drawing near, there will be careful observation of his performance to assess whether he can return to his prior form.
Despite not being entered for the Northerly Stakes, Railway Stakes champion Port Lockroy has seen a significant reduction in his odds for the $1.5 million Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) scheduled at Ascot on December 14. After opening at $15, the son of Better Than Ready has surged to become a joint $8 third favourite alongside Belclare. This change in strategy indicates that Port Lockroy's connections are now focusing on a different race, one that could present a more advantageous chance for the promising sprinter.
With competitors such as Western Empire ($4.50) and Lady Laguna ($7.00) also vying for the Gold Rush, the upcoming race is set to be an exciting showdown where Port Lockroy could establish himself as a strong contender.
