Major Players: Group 1 APG 2YO Finals

Some of Australia's best babies will hit the track at Albion Park Harness Racing Club on Saturday night for two thrilling Group 1 APG 2YO Finals. 

Following heats held across the country in past weeks, each final will be contested over 1660m and will be worth $350,550 each; one for fillies and one for colts and geldings.

Racing Queensland form analyst Darren Clayton has cast his eye over the fields and picked out his major players for the two races. 

PREVIEW: Queensland trainer a 'nervous wreck' before race of a lifetime 

2019 APG FINAL - 2YO COLTS & GELDINGS (G1)

JILLIBY NITRO (2) AND BE HAPPY MACH (6) - Melton Heat 26/04/2019 

JILLIBY NITRO (2) was looking to remain undefeated in his APG heat at his 4^th career start, when taking the trail behind MACH DAN and then unable to get past him after the race developed into a 200m sizzle up the stretch. Brutal when claiming the Bathurst Gold Crown from gate 7, he looks set to lead them a merry dance here from the top gate.

BE HAPPY MACH (6) is the only runner in either division that comes into the Finals undefeated. With a perfect 3 for 3 record, he rolled the sleeves to hang tough and score a 6m heat win. Showing versatility with some slick moves up the passing lane 2 starts back, he will be right in the fight.

SMOOTH BAHT (8) AND STAR HUNTER (4) - Menangle Heat 30/04/2019 

SMOOTH BAHT (8) was arguably the run of the race outside of the winner JILLIBY NITRO in the Bathurst Crown, attacking the line in good order from back in the pack. His closing panels were solid when 3^rd in his Menangle heat and if able to hustle to protect his peg-line position, then he looks a good quinella play, however his early speed is questionable.

STAR HUNTER (4) secured a Newcastle win on debut and soon followed that with a tough win from the 2^nd line at Penrith. Grabbed in the closing strides in his Menangle heat, he might just be able to create the space to find the leaders back and that would be a big advantage.

DARREN CLAYTON SELECTS 

JILLIBY NITRO (2), SMOOTH BAHT (8), STAR HUNTER (4), BE HAPPY MACH (6). SUGGESTED BET: Exotics (Quinellas, Trifectas and First4s) 2-4-6-8

2019 APG FINAL (G1) - 2YO FILLIES

PELOSI (2) - Brisbane Heat 26/04/2019 

PELOSI (2) was brutal in her heat win when unleashing a power running display to stop the clock in the 2^nd-fastest mile ever run by a 2YO at Albion Park. Showing ability since starting her career, her past 2 have seen her dictate and if allowed to take control here, it should be game over. The chink might be if the race is taken up to her, however her ability can help get her home.

JEMSTONE (6) AND MIRISSA BEACH (8) - Melton Heat 26/04/2019 

JEMSTONE (6) was a debut winner, zipping home in a smart 56.5 closing 800m early in the season. Kept fresh, she has won her past 2 outings when able to get forward to take control, with her heat run a tidy effort, winning the race through a sharp 3^rd panel. Provided she arrives in order, she can throw down the challenge.

MIRISSA BEACH (8) was locked away against the pegs in her heat and when sighting open track was closing out nicely to get within 1.5m of the winner JEMSTONE. A smart Ballarat winner on debut, she will be probing for the gaps.
 

ROSCOMMON ROSE - Menangle Heat 30/04/2019 

ROSCOMMON ROSE (9) made her debut back in Feb at Bathurst and was put away again following the run. Returning for start number 2 in the heats of this Series, there was plenty to like in how she found the line in scoring a smart win. Finding the right trail, look for her to attack off the speed.

DARREN CLAYTON SELECTS 

SELECTIONS: PELOSI (2), JEMSTONE (6), ROSCOMMON ROSE (9), MIRISSA BEACH (8)
SUGGESTED BET: PELOSI (2) to win