The Group 1 Randwick Guineas is the feature event on a bumper program this Saturday at Royal Randwick. With ten races on the card, find out who our experts are casting their eyes on!
Randwick Race 7
#11 Golden Mile
Despite having his colours lowered first up, I am thrilled to be with Golden Mile. He had a fantastic spring campaign and was only narrowly beaten by an intelligent, in-form mare fresh. He is undefeated second up, and he should get the run of the race from barrier two. The 1300m is a slight concern.
The Kiwi Imperatriz will start in the red after stunningly winning her last three starts. She can break her rivals’ hearts on the track while smashing the timekeeper’s clock. Her turn of foot is excellent, and the white-hot James Mcdonald will pilot her.
If a well-behaved Artorius turns up, he can figure in the finish. Occasionally, his barrier manners are horrible, and he usually runs his race before the gates open. He has recorded some of the fastest closing sectionals ever recorded at Caulfield in his last two preparations, he just needs to put the complete performance together. He is forever teasing.
Suggested Bet: Golden Mile @ $6.50
Randwick RACE 8
#3 Aft Cabin
I am prepared to forgive Aft Cabin after his performance in the Hobartville. He did a lot of work early and unfortunately ran out of petrol late. His first-up performance was scintillating, and a similar effort would put him in the finish on Saturday. I expect James Mcdonald to have the speed map worked out after covering more ground than Burke and Wills second-up. Barrier ten is the primary concern.
Osipenko looks dangerous from an inside draw. He was luckless first up before causing a boilover at his latest outing. The mile looks advantageous, and I expect a peak run third-up from a spell. The Chris Waller and Nash Rawiller combination must be respected.
Zou Tiger is knocking on the door! He chased home the classy Aft Cabin first up, and Osipenko caught him in the shadows at his latest outing. The middle gate looks ideal, however, I wonder if he will run out an assertive 1600m.
Suggested Bet: Aft Cabin @ $2.90
Randwick Race 9
#2 Roots
Roots was brilliant first-up in the Millie Fox. She visually looked a run short in the mounting yard. However, she never shirked the task and savaged the line late. She will strip fitter here, the mile is advantageous, and her record second-up must be respected. From barrier two, she will get a soft run in transit, and with even luck, I expect her to be in the finish. She does look like one of the better bets on the program.
Banana Queen deserves her shot at a decent race. Her campaign to date has been stunning, and she was brave in defeat last start carrying the grandstand. She is ideally placed on Saturday with 53kg and is rock-hard fit. If she can strike the lead on straightening, she may prove hard to run down.
Thalassophile broke through for a well-deserved win last start before being freshened. Her barrier trial leading into this event was first-class, and she is no stranger to the famous Randwick mile. She is ideally drawn in a middle gate, and the talented Craig Williams will give her every possible chance of claiming victory.
Suggested Bet: Roots @ $2.15
Randwick Race 10
#9 Po Kare Kare
Po Kare Kare can win again after causing a tremendous upset last start. She is building an excellent career record and looks well placed here, climbing through her grades. The Savabeel mare may need some luck from barrier ten. However, she is versatile enough to handle the cards she is dealt. She has been well supported since markets opened.
Sky Command will start favourite after a stellar spring. Her barrier trial leading into this event was outrageous, and her fresh record speaks for itself. 1200m is her pet distance, and she will look the winner on straightening. If she can pinch some cheap sectionals on top of the speed, the race may be over inside the final furlong.
Jump The Broom can run well despite drawing off the track. Her first-up performance was brave, sitting on top of a hot speed, and she was a winner second-up in previous campaigns. If she can zoom across early and find the lead cheaply, she may lead them a merry dance.
Suggested Bet: Po Kare Kare @ $7.00
