Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview

RACE 1

Anzac Day racing at Randwick will be on a good rated surface. We get the meeting underway with a 1100m 2yo where there’s no shortage of debutantes going around. The most notable is (6) WHITEHALL who is related to the champion mare Winx & went for 1.8 million in the sales ring, out of the Waller yard is a BIG watch. Market will obviously prove a very important factor however I’ll side with (8) SHALASH who won well on debut at Gosford when well supported off the back of a couple of trial placings. (2) BANKOK HOTTIE strolled in at Warwick Farm after a solid effort in the Kindergarten when trapped wide.

Numbers: 8 – 2 – 6 – 12

Suggested Bet: Market leads the best guide.


RACE 2

Few imports making their local debuts here (2, 6 & 15), no money in early markets. (3) ENAMORADA has some good figures for a race such as this one, a Sandown winner two back before strong to the line at Caulfield her latest. With a wide rail again this week I wouldn’t like to see her too far back in the run, should she be worse than midfield her task won’t be an easy one, let’s hope that’s not the case. At odds (8) SISTER SHAY is worth including, consistent & likely leads, may take some running down the way this track could play. (5) DEEP PLEASURE will appreciate the weight drop & added fitness.

Numbers: 3 – 8 – 5 – 1

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 3

(6) CANTIAMO has the fitness edge plus a better gate & 3.5kg weight pull over the resuming (1) SURFIN’ BIRD which leans me her way. Dominant first up at short odds given an easy kill at Gosford before less than 2 lengths away making ground in Group 3 company last start. (1) SURFIN’ BIRD is clearly the most promising horse in the race having won 4 from 6 to date, trials have been sound, just going to need things to pan out. (13) SPICE BABY resumes with a good fresh record.

Numbers: 6 – 1 – 13 – 2

Suggested Bet: CANTIAMO TO WIN.


RACE 4

(9) CALL ME GORGEOUS returned from Hong Kong with a very impressive win at Newcastle before going right on with the job to again impress at Eagle Farm. Can he take the step up from midweek to Saturday grade? I’d suggest yes, he can. Right down the bottom (13) HAY STREET will carry no weight & is in top form this prep winning his past couple, importantly he races forward, just has a few rivals to cross early, if that can be done without being overtaxed he’ll take some running down. (4) SERGEANT MAJOR is capable of running into a placing first up, inside gate & claim suit.

Numbers: 9 – 13 – 4 – 5

Suggested Bet: CALL ME GEORGEOUS TO WIN.


RACE 5

Like the look of (12) COMPENSATION who has only had the two starts to date running third on debut before winning up on speed at Rosehill last time out. Drawn to land a gun run his times have been strong on each occasion & he’s in the right yard to measure up to this stronger grade. (15) HAY STREET has accepted in this race & the previous, whichever he contests he’ll be in the finish, definitely include. (9) CASSEROUSSE will need things to work out off the wide draw however should they do so she’s definitely in the mix.

Numbers: 12 – 15 – 9 – 1

Suggested Bet: COMPENSATION TO WIN.


RACE 6

I’ve always been a fan of (7) POLYMNIA however her strike rate has tested my patience having won only once yet placed 10 times from 17 starts. I’m sticking with her here as she looks extremely well placed coming back from a couple of Group 3’s her past couple to tackle a BM94 with no additional weight, she ticks plenty of boxes. (2) ZAPHOD hasn’t done me any favours either however this suits & he comes to hand quickly, is second-up this afternoon. Import (11) THRICE in the mix also, must be kept safe has been well supported in early markets.

Numbers: 7 – 2 – 11 – 9

Suggested Bet: POLYMNIA EACH-WAY.


RACE 7

The blinkers go onto (6) ENCAP here which might liven him up a bit coming well back in grade, all 3 outings this prep have been at Group 1 level which is certainly not the case here. He’s a tough one to catch though, if in the right mood he’s very good, if not well, he’s very ordinary. (14) GIVE ME SPACE could be an improver, ex QLD now with Team Hayes he can really find the line & should appreciate the additional 100m. (7) LORD OF BISCAY & (15) FORMAL DISPLAY had wide gates to contend with however far from out of calculations.

Numbers: 6 – 14 – 7 – 15

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 8

Very competitive race to wind up the day. I’ll head right down the bottom of the page & cross my fingers (19) NOBLER gains a start. He’s an import with Chris Waller who hit the line very well at his first local start before a bit flatter second time around at Caulfield. Gate 1 hopefully sees him closer to the lead & from there he can pounce with the light weight. (5) FIDDLERS GREEN has a fitness edge over a few here & is racing very well at present, can fill a placing whilst (4) CROSSBOW has shown ability & maps well from the gate, claim a bonus.

Numbers: 19 – 5 – 4 – 14

Suggested Bet: NOBLER EACH-WAY

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