After putting on a show for The Everest, Royal Randwick is once again the centre of New South Wales racing as we prepare for Spring Champion Stakes Day.
ROYAL RANDWICK RACE 7
#1 GOLDEN MILE
Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile will start odds on favourite here. Dropping back to Group 2 level at level weights is a huge advantage.
Barrier 10 is tricky, but he has the class to negate, and with the services of Hugh Bowman, he looks incredibly hard to beat. Staying at the mile is a positive, and he really only needs luck in transit to be in the finish.
A Lot More Love looks the danger on the quick back after a sensational last-start win in a lower grade. The trip will suit as will the conditions and inside draw.
Suggested Bet: Golden Mile @ $1.75
ROYAL RANDWICK RACE 8
#1 ELLIPTICAL
Hard to go past Caulfield Guineas runner up Elliptical here. Only missed Golden Mile by 0.2 lengths and looks ready to win. The 2000m is perfect for this stage of the preparation and with the inform Blake Shinn aboard jumping from barrier 1, the son of Dundeel picks himself.
She’s Extreme will be favoured by the soft conditions and I liked the way she savaged the line last start. Barrier 10 maybe an issue. Williamsburg is another that will appreciate the 2000m with the sting out of the track. Previously Group 1 competitive but needs to lift on current form to win.
Suggested Bet: Elliptical @ $4.00
ROYAL RANDWICK RACE 9
#2 nimalee
Espiona looks to peak here but has yet again found a wet track. Can’t knock her effort or constitution, but she is starting to become expensive for punters to follow.
Despite the 59kg and the wide barrier (9), Nimalee looks the one to beat after a solid win last start and a luckless third two starts back on a heavy 10. Racing consistently at Group 2 and Group 3 levels, this looks easier.
Forbidden Love looks the apparent danger despite being out of the winner’s circle for a long time, while Sheeza Belter looks over the odds.
Suggested Bet: Nimalee @ $6.00
ROYAL RANDWICK Race 10
#5 Bacchanalia
The lightly raced 6-year-old Acquitted looks poised first up. He handles all conditions, and he has the Kris Lees polish, who is currently training winners for fun. The apprentice claim will help, as will the inside draw (3). Well placed.
Clemenceau is very talented and is building an excellent career record and strike rate. Barrier 15 with 58kg is an issue, as is the current track condition.
I am with Bacchanalia here, who looks to peak third up from a spell. The James Cummings and Blake Shinn combination looks ominous, and I loved the way he hit the line late last start. Wet weather record near perfect
Suggested Bet: Bacchanalia @ $5.50
