Lets Elope in class of his own as favourite

Sires' Stakes trials don't come any more impressive than the one Lets Elope produced at Alexandra Park last Friday.

Which promotes him to readymade favourite for the $18,000 feature of a rare Saturday night meeting at that venue tomorrow.

While classy 3-year-olds winning their way into Sires' Stakes heats via maiden races are common, Lets Elope downed some of the higher-rated two and three-win pacers in the north last Friday night.

And he did it after starting from the outside of the front line and exploding home over the top of high-class acts, like Jarcullembra, Easy On The Eye and Livingontheinterest.

It was a timely reminder of just how potent last season's Sires' Stakes Final winner can be when saved for one run, although they may not be the tactics trainer-driver Frank Cooney chooses to use tomorrow night.

Lets Elope also has blazing gate speed and from barrier three is likely to go forward early and lead, leaving Cooney with the option of later trailing hard-running rival Besotted and using the passing lane.

Besotted looks the only danger tomorrow night as he was a luckless fourth in the same field last Friday and has produced some huge staying performances, suggesting the 2200m - the longest Sires' Stakes heat of the season - will suit.

Stamina will be just what punters need tomorrow night, with the meeting coming on the back of Ellerslie and the Cox Plate from Moonee Valley and those who stay the distance should stick with the favourites.

Best of those will be Statesman in race eight, after he returned with an effortless win last week. Secret Desire in race three is far better than maidens and should win, while Denny H looks suited to the handicaps and small field in race two.

But the stamina reserves will be really tested for punters who want to see just how well New Zealand Cup favourite Smoken Up is racing.

He clashes with Mr Feelgood in the Queensland Championship, victory in which would guarantee Smoken Up Cup day favouritism.

New Zealand's open-class elite have their major Cup warm-up in the Flying Stakes at Ashburton on Monday.