Golden Slipper Preview: Who Wins Australia’s Biggest 2YO Race?
The Golden Slipper is always a tough race to get right — big field, high pressure, and plenty of these two-year-olds are still learning on the job.
This year looks no different, but there are a few key runners that stand out when you break it down properly.
Here’s how I see it.
#2 CLOSER TO FREE (Jamie Melham)
He’s done a good job in both starts so far.
Won well on debut when the market expected him to, then went to the Blue Diamond and sat outside the leader — which is never easy — and still stuck on well.
Trialled nicely in Sydney, but the draw makes things tricky. He’s going to need a good steer from Jamie Melham to offset that.
#3 GUEST HOUSE (Zac Lloyd)
There’s a bit of ability here, and the stable have always had a big opinion of him.
You could make a case he should’ve won the Blue Diamond — held up at a key stage before hitting the line hard once clear.
Hasn’t had the Sydney run, but the draw and expected tempo suit.
4th pick.
#4 WARWOVEN (Rachel King)
Comes here on the 7-day back-up after winning the Pago Pago.
It hasn’t been a smooth prep — missed the Magic Millions, then had that gap between runs before the Skyline.
Last week wasn’t the plan, but they had to run to secure a spot.
They’ve gone to blinkers for the first time, which might help, but I’m not convinced he’s going as well as he was pre-setback.
#5 PARADOXIUM (Jason Collett)
Led all the way to win the Todman and was given every chance.
He was solid — but nothing more.
The key point: Chayan ran faster overall time and showed better late strength.
Can improve second-up after a long gap between runs, but the wide draw makes life tough.
#6 STRETAN RULER (Chad Schofield)
Loved his win when the blinkers went on in the Silver Slipper.
Then last start, the race shape was against him, but he still hit the line well.
This looks a much better setup and I think he can turn the tables on Paradoxium.
#7 ZAMBALES (Nash Rawiller)
Happy to forgive last start.
Had no luck in the Blue Diamond, then went down narrowly in the Sires when well in the market.
Gets Nash Rawiller and should get a strong tempo, which suits.
He’s a blowout chance.
#9 CAMPIONE D’ITALIA (Damian Lane)
There’s ability there, no doubt — but he does a few things wrong.
Terrific last start win but it didn’t rate well, there was merit in the performance.
If the tempo helps him settle, he’s one that can be strong late.
One of the better roughies.
#12 STREISAND (Ben Melham)
She’s done nothing wrong.
Beaten Chayan twice, and hasn’t had everything go her way in either win.
Her Blue Diamond win was tough — covering ground without cover and still getting it done.
She’s tough, maps well enough, and should be right there late.
2nd pick.
#13 SPICY MISS (Craig Newitt)
Had every chance last start and took it - good win.
She’s improving with racing and importantly — maps to get the right run again.
Hard to knock.
3rd pick.
#14 CHAYAN (Craig Williams)
She’s the one.
Hit the line strongly behind Streisand on debut, then had no luck in the Blue Diamond but still stuck on well.
Then came to Sydney and improved sharply:
Faster overall time than older horses on the day
Strong late sectionals
That’s something a lot of her rivals haven’t shown yet.
She draws better than most of the key chances and should relish the tempo.
If she gets the right run — they’ll have to be good to hold her out.
Top pick.
Top Rated Runners
Chayan
Streisand
Spicy Miss
Guest House
Suggested Bet
Chayan (WIN)
Trifecta
1st: 12, 14, 13
2nd: 2, 6, 12, 13, 14
3rd: 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14
Final Word
It’s a proper Slipper — plenty of chances and a race where tempo and luck in running will play a big role.
But if you’re looking for the one with the right profile,
Chayan ticks the boxes.
Cheers,
Blake Johnston
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