Group racing returns to Randwick Saturday with the new and improved The Ingham. Formerly known as The Villiers, The Ingham has been rebranded, and despite the feature only being contested at Group 2 level, it is now worth a staggering $2 million! Can anyone stop the import and favourite Nugget?
Randwick Race 7
#4 Waihaha Falls
Waihaha Falls looks poised to strike after two impressive runs this preparation. The barrier beat him last start at Newcastle, and he probably left his run from the back too late. Brenton Avdulla can be positive from the barrier, and I expect him to be in the finish. He has an excellent record at the track and distance.
Sky Command is a no-fuss mare who gives her all every start. If she can get a soft lead in front, she may prove tricky to run down.
Eleven Eleven will improve here after a rare last-start failure. Form is temporary, class is permanent.
Suggested Bet: Waihaha Falls @ $3.70
Randwick RACE 8
#1 Huetor
Life-changing money is on offer here for a Group 2 event!
Nugget will be hard to beat if he gets a run. He is currently in the waiting line as an emergency. He was very dominant at Kembla Grange, and despite this being a sharp class rise, he looks the one to beat.
Huetor can win here first up after an impressive trial. He races well fresh, he is drawn to get a soft run in transit, and there has been money for him in early betting. The form around Zaaki looks ideal for this!
If the heavens open up, Sky Lab comes into winning calculations. His form around Mount Poppa, Mr. Brightside, and I’m Thunderstruck tells me he will be competitive in this class. He is ready to peak.
Suggested Bet: Huetor @ $6.50
Randwick Race 9
#4 Cisco Bay
Dual acceptor Nugget will start odds-on favourite if he runs in this event. He will need to do it the hard way with the weight allocation of 63kg. This would be a great consolation. However, I assume the preference would be gaining a start in The Ingham.
Cisco Bay is in peak condition despite being in the twilight of his career. Barrier 3 is a positive, 61.5kg looks to be the biggest hurdle. The son of So You Think will look a winning chance as they come over the famous Randwick rise.
Irish Legend is a must for all wider exotics. He is well weighted, ideally drawn, and looked fat in the yard first up. He can improve here.
Suggested Bet: Cisco Bay @ $11.00
Randwick Race 10
#6 Astero
I am happy to have a throw at the stumps here with Astero. This is a huge step up in grade from a mid-way. However, he has form around some talented and proven city gallopers. He showed grit and determination last start, and a repeat of that performance will make him competitive here.
The people’s horse Democracy Manifest will start favourite despite being beaten at short odds last start. He was one of the best-backed horses in Australia, and he is starting to become costly for punters. He looks well-placed. However, he always needs luck with his racing style.
Bend The Knee can run well at cricket score odds. This looks a targeted race, and being third up from a spell; he can produce the required peak run.
Suggested Bet: Astero @ $10.00
