Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

Another day of multiple Group 1 racing coming up at Randwick, could be a few showers about in the lead-up, suggest there will be some give in the track. We kick off the day with a mile Midway where the consistent POCKETING looks very well placed to win. Unlucky three back, cardiac issues two back, strong to the line at 1400m his latest. Drawn ideally for Tim Clark I’d be surprised if he didn’t give this a massive shake. PROMITTO draws out, has the form however not the gate, will need luck however should it come his way he’s right in the hunt. RUSH ATTACK looks the other main hope.

Numbers: 7 – 1 – 4 – 5

Suggested Bet: POCKETING TO WIN.

RACE 2

The Fireball is a very tough race, might only be a smallish field however that hasn’t made it any easier! DRIFTING disappointed first up down south which was out of character for her, she’d previously been unbeaten fresh & has returned to Sydney & trialled well, maps nicely from the gate suggest can bounce back. YOSHINOBU failed in the Coolmore however we’re talking high class 3yo Group 1 level there, also trialled nicely for his return to the track. PERSPIRATION & ZEITUNG will be running home strongly.

Numbers: 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 3

First of a couple of crucial Golden Slipper lead-ups, this one for the fillies. TEMPTED comes up with the second to outside gate however I’m not overly concerned about that as she’s a filly with a big finish who needs plenty of clear galloping room. J. Mac should ensure she gets just that here. I gave BEL MERCI a winning chance first up as did a few others judging by her starting price, she did nothing in the straight however did pull up with a vet issue post-race, expect very sharp improvement here. Confident one of the pair will win the race.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 6 – 2

Suggested Bet: BACKING TOP TWO SELECTIONS TO WIN.

RACE 4

Now it’s the boys turn in the Todman. I’m still not convinced WODETON is a star as he beat nothing when debuting on wet ground, I really don’t think we can take too much out of that run. 5 weeks between that & his next outing which was a very good one sitting wide throughout at Rosehill yet still able to clock the second fastest 200m split in the race. On that run I must be with him here. PALLATON impressed winning back in December, he then did the exact opposite when out of the placings here mid Feb, he just didn’t finish off. Not sacking on that though. NORTH ENGLAND has to be included however there’s a ton of other chances.

Numbers: 5 – 7 – 1 – 3

Suggested Bet: WODETON TO WIN.

RACE 5

IT’S A KNOCKOUT’s first up run here back in February was a good one, she went straight in the black book as a ‘be on me next time’ horse however the next time is 4 weeks later & she rises not only in grade however sharply in distance as well. Yes, she gets some weight relief however could she be a run short? Betting will tell. I’m going to side with an old favourite being MARE OF MT BULLER who is also 4 weeks between starts however she stays at the same trip which is much more suitable. HINGED brings the class however I just cannot catch her.

Numbers: 3 – 7 – 1 – 8

Suggested Bet: MARE OF MT BULLER EACH-WAY.

RACE 6

I AM ME the runner to beat here. Out of the placings in the Oakleigh Plate that was a definite ‘forgive’ run having little room to move drawing an inside gate. 1000/1100m around here is her go; first & second up last prep she beat Bella Nipotina & Steffi Magnetica in Group 2 & 3 lead-ups to the Everest. Drawn an Inside gate with J. Mac on she ticks plenty of boxes. Convinced the Queenslander UNCOMMON JAMES can run a race, he’s won a lead up trial in quick time & is a Group 1 winner, his best has him right in this. Can’t overlook the mare KIMOCHI, she broke through at the top-level last start & will be finding the line late, they just might be a little too sharp for her over the 1000m.

Numbers: 9 – 2 – 10 – 1

Suggested Bet: I AM ME TO WIN.

RACE 7

BROADSIDING will start very short here in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas off his first up Hobartville win. Must admit I’m a fan however the gap between he & SWIFT FALCON in that race was just under a length with the latter really motoring home from the back. The additional 200m won’t be an issue for either runner & yes BROADSIDING does map more favourably however in my opinion the margin in the market between the pair is too great. I’m having something on SWIFTFALCON to cause a minor upset. AELIANA in the mix, keep the Queenslander OUR BENEFACTOR very safe.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 9 – 7

Suggested Bet: SWIFT FALCON TO WIN (small bet).

RACE 8

The second of our Group 1’s today is the Canterbury Stakes which has brought together a terrific line up of sprinters. The track condition very important here particularly with my selection SUNSHINE IN PARIS who is at her best on dry ground, she can tolerate the better side of soft however anything worse than that will see me heading in another direction. On the right deck though she’s well placed holding a positive fresh record & as usual her lead-up trials have been encouraging. MAGIC TIME overcame an unsuitable tempo to win first up, handles all conditions, big chance. CEOLWULF missed the run last week, now back 100m, likely will need the hit out here?  Chances certainly do not end there!

Numbers: 9 – 10 – 11 – 12

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.

RACE 9

Can’t go past DUKE DE SESSA who resumed at Caulfield last month over 1600m defeating Marble Arch who has since come out & won the Blamey (here last week). As the reigning Caulfield Cup champ he’s got lengths on these class wise, whilst he may not lead he can slide across early & land a prominent spot, from there he’ll get his chance. ALALCANCE has only had the single Australian preparation winning once & placing twice. That win was first up & although it came about against inferior opposition it was a dominant one & I’d suggest he’s not only improved however further acclimatised during the break. ATHABASCAN was good fresh, rising 100m likely not far enough to see him win this however he won’t be far away.

Numbers: 1 – 17 – 2 – 9

Suggested Bet: DUKE DE SESSA TO WIN.

RACE 10

Keen on the chances of the second-up COMMEMORATIVE in this closing race. She settled off the pace which is her normal pattern first up before weaving through nearer the inside section into third spot. She’s a big mare & much better placed outside other runners which should be the case from the wider draw today. CLEAR THINKING comes out of the same race running second also making good ground, she did have an unimpeded run though, can’t knock her form she’s the logical danger. SHEZANALISTER has come back well this prep, she races very well here on the track & will take some holding out late.

Numbers: 4 – 10 – 8 – 14

Suggested Bet: COMMEMORATIVE TO WIN.

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