Mid-week racing returns to Sandown and Randwick this Wednesday. With competitive programs front and centre at the respective venues, find out who our experts are keeping their eyes on.
Randwick Race 5
#2 Strombus
Strombus looks incredibly hard to beat, dropping significantly down in grade. His last-start fourth in a hot-form race was gallant, and his win prior was dominant. From barrier three, he will sit in the box seat, and if James McDonald gets him off the rails at the right time, I expect him to figure in the finish. The step out in distance is advantageous, and he has been well supported since markets opened. Hard to toss!
Regal Pom strips fitter after producing a solid first-up run at Rosehill. The Press Statement gelding has performed well previously second-up, and he meets easier opposition. The current track conditions will suit, and I suspect he will roll forward from the perfect inside draw. The 3kg apprentice claim puts him into all winning conversations, and the Annabel Neasham camp are currently training winners for fun. His overall winning record is the primary concern.
Constructionmaster can run a drum at cricket-score odds. The Nostradamus gelding should be rock-hard fit at this stage of his campaign, and his recent efforts have been better than they read in the form guide. With a change of fortune and a more positive ride during the race’s early stages, he can threaten at a price. Over the odds!
Suggested Bet: Strombus @ $3.40
Randwick RACE 7
#8 Biographer
Biographer is flying this campaign. The I Am Invincible gelding produced an arrogant win two starts back before being beaten by a pimple at his latest outing. From barrier one, Jean Van Overmeire has options, and with even luck in transit, he can continue his fine form on Wednesday. The talented four-year-old always races well over the distance and looks well placed at Benchmark 72 level.
Miss Jay Fox has been racing well without winning. The Written Tycoon mare will appreciate the drop in class, and the 3kg apprentice claim could prove the winning difference. Her best form would win this event in a canter, and her record at the 1000m is exceptional. From barrier ten, she will jump and cross the field, and if she is uncontested during the early stages of the race, she will look the winner as they turn for home. The early speed battle might be her undoing.
Disneck will start favourite after turning heads at a recent barrier trial. The Trapeze Artist gelding broke all the on-course clocks, and he entered the punters’ little black books. He looks too classy for this level, and I expect a forward first-up performance. His inability to put wins on the board is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Biographer @ $4.20
Sandown Race 8
#6 Flycatcher
Flycatcher made a winning start to his career at Bendigo. The Epaulette gelding looks talented, and I expect him to go through his grades over the coming months. The step out to 1300m looks advantageous, and if he can find a spot in the running line throughout, he can prove too strong late. Barrier fifteen is his biggest obstacle.
The Hass can bounce back after an indifferent campaign to date. The Ajaya gelding has promised the world and delivered an atlas. The form around him has stood up during the winter, and his best performance would see him figure in the finish. He needs to recapture his mojo!
Boldinho is ready to produce a peak run for the preparation. Both runs this campaign have caught the eye, and he traditionally races well at this stage of his spell. The Benchmark 64 opposition won’t worry the big boy, and the 2kg apprentice claim puts one hoof on the till. His racing pattern and style will always require an element of luck.
Suggested Bet: Flycatcher @ $4.60
Sandown Race 4
#1 Awapuni Princess
Awapuni Princess has the chance to record back-to-back wins on Wednesday. The Deep Field mare savaged the line late at Bendigo and snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat. She deserves her chance at this level and looks ideally drawn in barrier four. The 2kg apprentice claim gives her an advantage on her rivals, and you can’t beat a mare in form. Her record at the distance is the only knock!
Magic Chloe will have supporters after a slashing first-up performance in Adelaide. The consistent Stratum Star mare looks ready for the step out to the 1400m, and she traditionally races well at this stage of the campaign. From the middle gate, she will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if she can stay in touch with the peloton during the early stages of the race, she can figure in the finish. This is her acid test.
Sirius Statement has been good without threatening this preparation. The Press Statement mare is ready to peak third-up from a spell and finds her pet distance on Wednesday. From barrier six, the inform Michael Dee can sit one out one back, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, she can make her presence felt late. The step up in class is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Awapuni Princess @ $9.00
