El Grand Senor (pictured) was a genuine superstar, 43 starts for 35 wins, five minor placings and $533,147 in prize money, so it’s more than fitting he has a race named in his honour. Sale host the El Grand Senor Classic on Sunday night over the 440 metre distance with $10,000 up for grabs.

Here are my top four selections.

1^ST: Aston Ryder (box 4) can be hit or miss at the start but he has a lot of talent. He was dominant in his heat win even after being a touch slow away. He has drawn awkwardly this week but if he jumps cleaner and/or gets a clear crack at them early then I think he is certainly the one to beat.

2^ND: Easily the main danger is Bear’s Gold (box 7). He has developed a stunning record in his short career winning five of eight, but this is his toughest test to date. He possesses lightning early speed and looks the leader in the race. He bolted in when winning his heat in slick time and he is going to be mighty hard to run down.

3^RD: The value in the race for me is Bourbon An Kahn (box 8). He has come up with a lovely draw here to use speed from Bear’s Gold. If there is a concern it will be the last 50 metres or so, but I think he looks some chance around the home corner.

4^TH: Jazzy Bale (box 5) isn’t the best beginner so the squeeze box isn’t ideal but he is armed with a monster finish. Similar to Aston Ryder he is going to be hard to beat if he can jump better or get clear running early, but I think his racing pattern isn’t quite suited to the tight Sale track. He is too good to leave out though.
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MATT’S SELECTIONS
4-7-8-5

MATT’S $20 SPEND
Box Tri 4,5,7,8 $20 spend gets you 83.33%

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[youtube youtubeurl=”LpqH97LvbtU” ][/youtube]
WATCH: Aston Ryder fly to the early lead to take out his heat of the El Grand Senor Final (440m)
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