Big fields and big value are the main course this Saturday at Royal Randwick! With ten competitive races on the program, who can grab that all-important autumn win before we head into the winter racing season?
Randwick Race 7
#14 Iowna Merc
Iowna Merc can win resuming after undergoing the ultimate gear change. The Winning Rupert gelding has produced two eye-catching trials leading into this event, and he looks ideally placed jumping from barrier two. His first-up record must be respected, and if the money continues, he will start race favourite. He is undefeated at the trip, and with even luck in transit, I expect him to figure in the finish.
Kin will have supporters after a slashing fresh run at Gosford. The Impending filly has performed well second-up previously, and her best form reads well for this event. She comes in well at the weights after the apprentice claim, and the 1100m looks perfect at this stage of her preparation. Her winning record is the primary concern.
Miss Dior can run a big race at cricket-score odds. The Brazen Beau mare recently trialled impressively behind Eduardo; her fresh record speaks volumes. If she can find cover in transit from the wide draw, she can make her presence felt when it matters the most. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support.
Suggested Bet: Iowna Merc @ $3.70
Randwick RACE 8
#4 Dragonstone
Dragonstone looks poised to strike fresh for his new stable. His recent barrier trial at Warwick Farm put the writing on the wall for a forward first-up performance, and the early market support tells me he is ready to rock ‘n’ roll. The Mikki Isle gelding can sit closer to the speed from the inside draw, and if the gaps appear on straightening, he can savage the line late. He will always need luck with his pattern of racing.
Through The Cracks looks over the odds. The rising nine-year-old is brilliant when he puts it all together, and his best performance would see him figure in the finish. His recent jumpouts have been teasing, and he has been specked at a price in early betting. From barrier five, I expect him to drift back, and if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground through the middle stages, he can run over the top of them late. His inconsistency is the primary concern.
Pizarro looks dangerous, jumping from the perfect inside barrier. The All Too Hard gelding has form around some serious gallopers, and he should get his chance to figure carrying the featherweight. The talented four-year-old has recently trailed well, and I expect him to be fully wound up after a little freshen-up.
Suggested Bet: Dragonstone @ $6.00
Randwick Race 9
#14 Democracy Manifest
The popular Democracy Manifest can bounce back after a disappointing performance on a bottomless track. The people’s horse is ready to explode third-up from a spell and can sit closer to the speed from an inside draw. The 1400m looks ideal at this stage of his campaign, and the more favourable track conditions add weight to his case. He has been well-backed since markets opened, and I expect the flood of money to continue until the barriers open.
Tamerlane is too consistent to leave out of winning conversations. The Golden Horn gelding is racing in great spirit and looks well-placed against easier opposition. From the wide barrier, I expect him to roll forward and look for the lead, and if he can find pole position uncontested, he will look the winner on straightening. The apprentice claim could prove a winning move, and his record at the distance is outrageous. The James Cummings factor will attract further market support.
Cisco Bay looks over the odds. The So You Think gelding looks ready to peak, and his two runs this preparation have been ominous. He finds his pet distance on Saturday, and his record on soft tracks is second to none. His winning record is the biggest issue.
Suggested Bet: Democracy Manifest @ $4.60
Randwick Race 10
#13 Shipshape
Shipshape looks the best bet on a very competitive program of racing. The Astern gelding snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last start at Scone, and he looks well placed at Benchmark 78 level. The talented three-year-old is building a nice career record, and with the 1.5kg apprentice claim on Saturday, all roads lead to a win. From barrier nine, I expect him to jump straight to the lead, and if he is left to his own devices, the race will be over before the final furlong.
Gracilistyla looks over the odds. The Medaglia D’Oro gelding has a consistent campaign, and his next win is just around the corner. His best form reads incredibly well for this event, and I suspect he will attract supporters wearing the famous Ingham all cerise silks. He needs to convert promising performances into victories!
Redwood Shadow is ready to peak. The Redwood gelding has been teasing without threatening all campaign, and I expect him to explode over his pet distance on Saturday. The Joesph Pride camp has always had an opinion on the talented five-year-old, and his best is good enough to win on Saturday. A recent setback is a primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Shipshape @ $2.90
