Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview

RACE 1

What a way to kick of the day, two of the favoured Golden Slipper fancies going head-to-head in the opener! I speak of the unbeaten pair SHANGRI LA EXPRESS & SWITZERLAND who have both created big impressions at their wins to date. So, which one? Well, I’ve been a SWITZERLAND fan ever since spotting him at the trials, his debut did nothing to dull my excitement & 1100m should only benefit. SHANGRI LA EXPRESS was the dominant early season 2yo & his two lead-up trials suggest he’s improved over the break. The debutante FLY FLY unbeaten both trials is one to keep an eye on.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 8 – 4

Suggested Bet: SWITZERLAND TO WIN.


RACE 2

Going with the obvious in this week’s Midway & that’s REBEL DEAN who although yet to win this prep has finished no further back than 4th & drops in grade this afternoon. From the inside gate he should get the right run & break his unplaced hoodoo on the track. CECIL STREET LAD is always a chance first up, finished strongly to win fresh last prep. MARTIAL MUSIC the other one with the good fresh record should be included.

Numbers: 4 – 2 – 8 – 1

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 3

Very open Highway which isn’t unusual. MAGIC PHAROAH may be worth a dollar or two on an each-way basis. Out of the placings at Rosehill last start he was beaten under 3 lengths running on well after being taken back to last from the wide draw. I’m not convinced about him around this distance range however will take the punt on a small scale. LENSMAN made up for an unlucky effort two back with a win the latest, no reason he can’t figure once again. FAY’S ANGELS wasn’t beaten far first up, likely improver.

Numbers: 10 – 2 – 1 – 13

Suggested Bet: MAGIC PHAROAH EACH-WAY (small bet).


RACE 4

Tough race. Keep coming back to CUBAN ROYALE who clearly has the better form lines. Not far away in a BM100 two back before closing strongly from second last in Listed company the latest, the claim helps, he just needs to be close enough. Market leads will be all important for the resuming DANISH FORTUNE who ran some nice races last prep over further, how forward will he be for 1300m? TASHI won fresh however it was a real slog, she just couldn’t shake her rivals, the significant weight drop well in her favour today.

Numbers: 1 – 3 – 9 – 4

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 5

Only a small field to go around in what looks an interesting Group 2 Expressway with 5 of the 7 resuming. I’m putting BUENOS NOCHES on top however I won’t be taking the short price as although his form is clearly better than his rivals through the likes of Imperatriz, Think About It etc I just wasn’t wrapped in his latest trial. IN SECRET & KING OF SPARTA definitely in the mix, the former may need the run & is a betting watch. I don’t think WEST OF DALBY is completely hopeless at the big odds either.

Numbers: 4 – 1 – 3 – 7

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 6

Going to lean to OLENTIA who is unbeaten first up from 3 attempts. She’s had her two lead-up trials improving nicely at the second of those just coasting down to the line in good company, her first up win last prep was the best run of her entire campaign. SEMANA was very good at the Gold Coast parking deep the entire trip yet letting down with a good sprint, back to 1200m & no ‘official’ trial suggest she’s a big market watch. C’EST MAGIQUE must be included in exotics as should nos.1 & 8.

Numbers: 5 – 2 – 4 – 8

Suggested Bet: OLENTIA TO WIN.


RACE 7

The weight for age Apollo Stakes sees 9 of the 10 acceptors resume, the odd one out was SEMANA who is going around in the previous race instead, all runners first up & with bigger fish to fry as their campaigns wear on. There is lead-up rain possible on Friday, should that not eventuate to any degree I’m with FANGIRL however should we get a fair bit I’m not keen on her chances. THINK IT OVER may be the safe way out in that instance as he handles all going & is effective fresh. MILITARIZE will be finding the line late.

Numbers: 8 – 1 – 10 – 2

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 8

Cracking race the Group 2 Light Fingers for the fillies & again most kick off their autumn campaigns. 8 of the 11 acceptors resume, market leads will be all important. At the big odds I’m going to suggest something each-way KRISTILLI who went off the boil both runs last prep however her recent return outing was a definite eye catcher sectionally in a race not run to suit. This is a bit of an acid test today; she needs to follow up that run with another good one. KIMOCHI & TIZ INVINCIBLE are both class acts, the former draws well, the latter not so. Up in grade STEFI MAGNETICA is worth including in exotics, did find the line well last start & shows promise.

Numbers: 5 – 1 – 2 – 3

Suggested Bet: KRISTILLI EACH-WAY


RACE 9

I’m going to lean to REDSTONE WELL however I would have preferred this race to be further, had it been then I’d suggest he was close to a ‘good thing’. Very good last start against the tempo from last his is 3 weeks between runs which helps keep him fresh & the engagement of J. Mac is a positive pointer. ESTADIO MESTALLA has struck form & the inside gate works, BUILLT was back in trip & up to 60kg last start when not far away. This is much more suitable.

Numbers: 7 – 5 – 12 – 10

Suggested Bet: REDSTONE WELL TO WIN ($3.50 or better).


RACE 10

Honestly, I don’t want to tip GRACILISTYLA here however if there’s $5 plus available & money back for placing I’ll go with him. His last couple have been good, he maps well & gets J. Mac to steer, keep in mind though it’s been 700 plus days since he’s won! STARMAN looks close, placed his past couple the concern is the wide draw & how much start he’s likely to give away.

Numbers: 3 – 5 – 8 – 9

Suggested Bet: GRACILISTYLA EACH-WAY ($5 or better).

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