Royal Randwick and Mornington host the feature programs this Saturday. The Group 1 Epsom Handicap and The Metropolitan are the main events in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, while the Listed Ansett Classic will attract Melbourne locals to the peninsula. Join our experts as they outline their best bets on a Super Saturday of racing!
Randwick Race 6
#1 Tiz Invincible
Randwick RACE 7
#2 Think About It
Think About It is one serious customer. The So You Think gelding ended his last preparation as a dual Group 1 winner, and he looks to have the spring at his mercy. He arguably should be undefeated, and his career record is nothing short of remarkable. His two barrier trials leading into this event turned heads, and I am confident the camp will have him ready for a first-up tilt. From barrier two, he can sit in the box seat, and if he sees daylight at the right time, he can prove too strong in the shadows. Big watch!
Bella Nipotina is too consistent to dismiss. The Pride Of Dubai mare was narrowly defeated in a hot form race fresh, and she finds her pet distance on Saturday. From the middle gate, she can sit midfield with cover, and if Craig Williams presses the ‘go’ button at the right time, she can figure in the finish. Her second-up record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Think About It @ $2.15
Randwick Race 8
#10 Kovalica
Randwick Race 9
#12 Benaud
Benaud turned back the clock start last-start! The Reliable Man gelding savaged the line late and took ground off a very smart galloper. The step out to 2400m is advantageous, and he should get the dream run in transit from the perfect inside barrier. The 51.5kg is a luxury for a horse of his calibre, and I suspect this event has been a long-range target for the gallant five-year-old. He has recaptured his best form, and a peak run here could grab Group 1 glory!
Just Fine will start one of the shortest-price favourites of the weekend. The progressive Sea The Stars gelding hasn’t put a foot wrong since arriving in Australia, and his best form looks superior. The longer journey is perfect at this stage of his preparation, and the avalanche of money indicates another strong performance is expected. The Gai Waterhouse factor should never be underestimated, and I suspect he will start in the red. He could be on his way to the two cups and a plate!
Suggested Bet: Benaud @ $15.00
Mornington Race 7
#6 Queen Takes King
Queen Takes King is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have been full of merit, and I expect the Charm Spirit mare to peak third-up from a spell on Saturday. The drop in grade is significant, and I suspect she will get the run of the race from the perfect inside draw. The 54kg is a luxury, and with the inform Harry Coffey aboard, she looks like a great each-way betting proposition. Big watch!
Born A King will start favourite after a consistent preparation to date. The Frankel gelding has been thereabouts all campaign, and his next win is just around the corner. His best form reads incredibly well for this event, and I expect him to figure in the finish with even luck in transit. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Queen Takes King @ $7.00
Mornington Race 8
#2 Skidamarink
Skidamarink has irresistible form. The I Am Invincible mare looks well placed at the Benchmark 70 level, and with the perfect inside draw, she has one hoof on the till. The lightly raced four-year-old is undefeated at the trip, and I expect her to thrive on her home course. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and the flood of early money indicates a bold and strong performance is looming.
Extreme Step is over the odds! The Extreme Choice mare is racing in great spirit, and this looks a very winnable assignment for the enigmatic five-year-old. She finds her pet distance, and from barrier one, she can get the run of the race. The Hayes camp are currently training winners for fun, and I suspect the market has framed her at the wrong price. If the gaps appear as they run for the doctor, it could be all over, bar the shouting!
Suggested Bet: Skidamarink @ $4.60
