Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview

Posted on March 30, 2023March 31, 2023 | Posted by Chris Nelson

RACE 1

Tricky way to kick off what is an outstanding day of racing. Without doubt the Godolphin pair BARBER & ZULFIQAR have the strongest form lines coming through the Golden Slipper however there’s a few lightly raced who look to have good ability. I’ll lean to BARBER however not with any great confidence. LIBERTAD won well on debut off the back of a good trial, may now be looking for further though?

Numbers: 1 – 5 – 2 – 6

Suggested Bet: BARBER EACH-WAY

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RACE 2

With OSIPENKO now going around in the Doncaster later in the day this race takes on a completely different complexion. The ex-European galloped GAN TEORAINN is the big market watch, has form over this trip in good company back home, is in the right yard however no official trials. I’ll lean to the Victorian visitor THE FORTUNE TELLER who wasn’t disgraced in the Australian Guineas, his form around this mile trip is very good & he’ll find this an easier task. Respecting plenty of others though.

Numbers: 6 – 10 – 2 – 3

Suggested Bet:  BOX UP NOS. 2, 3, 5, 6, & 10 IN EXOTICS

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RACE 3

I’ll be centring my bets around three runners GIN MARTINI, RAGING BULL & ALMANIA, in such a wide-open market there’s every chance we can back them all. Tipping wise I’ll lean to ALMANIA who ran big sectionals home in the Manion Cup in what was a walk fest up front. GIN MARTINI sat 3 deep all the way to score at her latest, terrific run, does rise sharply in distance up 700m, keep in mind she did jump 800m between runs last prep to win the Sandown Cup. RAGING BULL also comes out of the Manion making ground.

Numbers: 15 – 9 – 13 – 7

Suggested Bet: NOS. 15, 9 & 13 TO WIN

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RACE 4

I’m with the well fancied SEQUESTERED who although not raced for 4 weeks has had the benefit of a recent trial & will no doubt be ready to tackle the 2000m trip. Really like the way she’s gone about her last couple of wins & gets J. Mac to steer from the good gate. PREMISE importantly has the 1900m win under her belt which was a good one at her last start, lightly raced will just need a touch of luck to slot in early. EAU DE VIE in the mix.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 4 – 5

Suggested Bet: SEQUESTERED TO WIN

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RACE 5

Always a great spectacle the Country Championships final & this will be no different. Going a little wide putting RUNNING BEAR on top, he’s been placed second here in three Highway races, won well at Warwick Farm last start & his heat effort for this race was a close up 2^nd when perhaps a run short. He’s certainly not that now & can run a big race. TALBRAGAR gets McDonald however also a wide gate, has the form if the luck goes his way. KIMBERLEY SECRETS not without a chance either.

Numbers: 15 – 4 – 16 – 7

Suggested Bet: RUNNING BEAR EACH-WAY

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RACE 6

First of the Group 1’s is the Sires for the 2yo’s where the Golden Slipper runner-up CYLINDER is well fancied. I’m taking him on as I’m not convinced the step up to 1400m suits. The one I like is VEIGHT who although likely goes back from the wide draw has a very strong finish which we saw when he won the Sires’ at Flemington when winning comfortably ticking the 1400m box. BUTCH CASSIDY looks overs, I’d include him in exotics.

Numbers: 4 – 1 – 11 – 6

Suggested Bet: VEIGHT TO WIN

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RACE 7

How good is the TJ? Can Nature Strip win the race for the fourth time? It’s a no from me! Firmly with GIGA KICK who was just huge in the Challenge first up, out the back after a slow start he stayed there until unleashing a big finish against the tempo in the straight, his sectionals home were outstanding & he can go a couple better here. I WISH I WIN will be cutting loose with his run once they hit the straight, wide gate no help however he’s too good dismiss.

Numbers: 10 – 6 – 13 – 1

Suggested Bet: GIGA KICK TO WIN

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RACE 8

Typical Doncaster Handicap with chances galore, it will likely be a case of ‘horses everywhere’ late in the race. Horrible barrier for FANGIRL however in these races the wide gates aren’t poison & she’s got the right form lines having chased home Anamoe at her past three starts, the latest was very good against the tempo. Defending champion MR BRIGHTSIDE is in cracking form having won the All Star Mile last start, he can run well again. Can never overlook ALLIGATOR BLOOD.

Numbers: 5 – 2 – 1 – 12

Suggested Bet: FANGIRL EACH-WAY

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RACE 9

Found this one of the most difficult Derbies for some time. I’ll stick with the favourite SHARP ‘N’ SMART however have changed my mind plenty in the lead up & may do so again before they jump. He has the score on the board however will have to overcome a wide gate, interesting the two horses he beat in the NZ Derby were big odds which has to be of concern. ELLIPTICAL wasn’t suited by the tempo last start, wouldn’t be sacking on that run. Happy to take on PERICLES who looks vulnerable over the 2400m trip.

Numbers: 1 – 3 – 2 – 9

Suggested Bet: BOX UP FIRST 4 IN EXOTICS.

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RACE 10

Plenty will be on OPAL RIDGE in this final race including me! Really impressed winning at Rosehill charging through the field to hit the front & race away to record a dominant victory. She’s very promising & should win again. The lightly raced PARISAL is flying, gone from a maiden to Group 3 winner in 3 starts & can continue the upward spiral.

Numbers: 2 – 1 – 5 – 10

Suggested Bet: OPAL RIDGE TO WIN

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