Mid-week racing returns to Sandown and Randwick this Wednesday. With competitive programs at both venues, find out who our experts are expecting to stand up and make a name for themselves!
Randwick Race 5
#2 Avonview
Avonview is knocking on the door. The Pierro gelding has produced three stunning performances this campaign, and his debut win is just around the corner. From barrier four, I expect him to roll forward, and if he can control the tempo throughout, he is the one to beat. The 1550m is advantageous, and he will look the winner on straightening. Hard to toss!
Kapakiri is racing in good spirits. The Kermadec gelding is coming off a string of narrow losses, and he gets his chance to break through on Wednesday in a very winnable assignment. The step out in distance is ideal, and he will appreciate the current track conditions. The awkward barrier draw is the primary concern.
Dressel savaged the line at Kembla Grange at his latest outing. The Snitzel entire showed a blistering turn of foot, and if the talented four-year-old can reproduce that effort here, I expect him to figure in the finish. From the middle gate, he will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if he is within striking distance as they run for the judge, he can win. His style and pattern of racing will always require an element of luck.
Suggested Bet: Avonview @ $5.00
Randwick RACE 6
#6 Silentsar
Silentsar was a dominant last-start winner at Canterbury. The Russian Revolution gelding put his rivals to the sword a long way from home, and I expect him to take the next step in his career on Wednesday. The drop in weight is advantageous, and the 1150m is in his wheelhouse. From the middle gate, he can sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, he will prove too strong late.
Sister Moon comes to town after a teasing first-up run at Canberra. Her form last campaign reads well for this event, and she looks well-placed to claim a city victory. The Fighting Sun mare handles all conditions, and she should get the run of the race from an inside draw. She is undefeated second-up, and she looks over the odds. Big watch!
After producing an eye-catching barrier trial for his new stable, Lavish Empire will have supporters. The Spieth gelding is a winner previously fresh, and I am sure the Snowden camp will have him fully wound up for a first-up tilt. The lightly raced four-year-old still has natural improvement to come, and I expect him to go through his grades in the coming months. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support.
Suggested Bet: Silentsar @ $3.80
Sandown Race 7
#6 Red Phantom
Red Phantom is flying this campaign. The Estidhkaar gelding has only missed the quinella once, and he looks well placed in this company. The step out in distance is ideal at this stage of his spell, and he should have the fitness edge on most of his rivals. From barrier three, he will roll forward and take up pole position, and if he is allowed to dictate the speed throughout, the fat lady could be signing before the final furlong. The Nick Ryan polish should always be considered!
Legend Of Dubai will have supporters after producing two teasing runs this preparation. He is ready for the 1800m, and the Dubawi gelding boasts some serious international form. If he is fully wound up, he could blow his rivals away. I’d prefer to see him go further and deeper into his preparation. He could be the real deal!
Speycaster caught the eye fresh. The Highland Reel traditionally races well second-up, and he can take the next step up in his career on Wednesday. The previous international form reads well for this event, and if he has taken any improvement from his recent outing, he can threaten. He will be savaging the line late and is a must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Red Phantom @ $6.50
Sandown Race 8
#1 Viviane
Viviane is looking to make it four wins on the trot! The Written Tycoon mare showed grit and determination at her latest outing, and she looks well placed, dropping significantly in grade. Her record at the track and distance is superior, and she looks like one of the better bets on a tricky program. The allocated weight and carpark draw are among the primary concerns.
Rattle And Bang is ready to fire. Her preparation to date has been consistent, and the 3kg apprentice claim puts her into all winning conversations. She will head the peloton from the middle gate, and if she can pinch some cheap sectionals throughout, she may prove hard to run down. Her recent winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Extreme Flight looks over the odds. The Extreme Choice gelding usually performs well first-up, and his recent jump out has him in good shape for a forward performance fresh. Barrier nine provides the inform Blake Shinn options, and if the premier jockey presses the go button at the right time, he can win. Too honest to dismiss!
Suggested Bet: Viviane @ $5.50
