Mid-week racing returns to Randwick and Cranbourne this Wednesday. With competitive programs at both venues, find out who our experts are expecting to take home the chocolates!
Randwick Race 4
#3 Avebury
Avebury is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have been full of merit, and she finds a very winnable assignment third-up from a spell. The Savabeel mare traditionally performs well at this stage of her preparation, and the 1400m looks ideal. She can sit in the box seat from barrier three, and if she sees clear air on straightening, I expect her to prove too strong late.
Sweet Baby Boom is flying. The Spirit Of Boom mare is chasing a hatrick of victories, and she looks dangerous, jumping from the ideal inside draw. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke, and the flood of early money indicates another forward performance is expected. The Waterhouse and Bott camp are training winners for fun at present, and they look like they have another smart one on their hands. The class rise is the primary concern.
Street Gossip strips fitter after an honest first-up performance at Warwick Farm. The So You Think mare will appreciate the step out in trip and benefit from the current track conditions. From barrier five, she will drift back and find her hooves, and if she doesn’t get too far out of her ground during the middle stages of the race, she can make her presence felt late.
Suggested Bet: Avebury @ $3.50
Randwick RACE 6
#3 Different Strokes
Different Strokes is knocking on the door. The Hinchinbrook gelding hasn’t put a foot wrong this campaign, and his next win is just around the corner. A recent barrier trial looked ominous, and I expect him to fly after a bit of freshen-up. The 1300m is in his wheelhouse and has been well-supported in early betting. From barrier three, he can camp on the leader’s back, and if the gaps appear at the right time, I expect him to figure in the finish. In Nash Rawiller, we trust!
To The Nines savaged the line fresh at Wagga. The Epaulette gelding snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, and it was a missed opportunity. His second-up record must be respected, and the 3kg apprentice puts him into all winning conversations. From barrier two, he will roll forward and set the tempo, and if he is left to his own devices, the race could be over before the field enters the final furlong.
Body Bob is building a picket fence next to his name. The Written Tycoon gelding is chasing four successive victories and looks well-placed to continue his winning ways. From barrier nine, he can jump positively and find the bunny, and if he avoids an early speed battle, he can win again. The awkward alley and grandstand weight are among the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Different Strokes @ $8.00
Cranbourne Race 6
#5 He's Handsome
He’s Handsome is ready to peak and win. The Hellbent gelding has caught the eye in both runs this preparation, and I suspect he has been trained to explode third-up from a spell. The drop back to 1200m could prove a training masterstroke, and I expect the Peter Moody and Luke Nolen will attract significant late market support. From barrier five, he will sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run as they run for the doctor, he can figure in the finish.
Mootessa produced a sharp turn of foot late first-up at Bendigo. The Zoustar mare looks to have plenty of natural improvement, and the camp has a high opinion of the enigmatic four-year-old. She finds her pet distance on Wednesday and should get every chance to take up her favourite role as race leader from barrier three. Zac Spain already has a winning association with the Llyod Kennewell-trained galloper, and she has been specked at a price since markets opened.
Pink Beau Ty was a dominant last-start winner at Donald. I suspect the Brazen Beau entire has the fitness edge over the majority of his rivals, and his record at the distance must be respected. From the perfect inside draw, he will roll forward and throw his hat in the ring, and if he doesn’t spend his pennies too early, he can figure in the finish. This is his acid test.
Suggested Bet: He’s Handsome @ $4.00
Cranbourne Race 8
#4 Slate
Slate performed well first-up without threatening. The So You Think gelding will appreciate the step out to a mile, and he strips fitter after his recent outing. From barrier three, he can spring the lids and pilot the field, and if he is allowed to pinch some cheap sectionals throughout, he may prove challenging to run down. If you have a live ticket with his name on it, cross your fingers toes as he enters the final furlong. He will look the winner as they run for the judge.
Sweet Liaison is ultra-consistent. The Rock Hero mare has been thereabouts all preparation, and she simply doesn’t know how to run a bad race. The drop back to 1600m looks ideal at this stage of her campaign, and I suspect she has the fitness edge over the majority of her rivals. From barrier eight, she will drift back and watch the race unfold, and if the peloton leaves the kettle on, she can capitalise late. She needs to put another win on the board!
Aeecee Supreme was an impressive last-start winner at the track over 1500m. The step up in distance is advantageous, and she should be rock-hard fit at this stage of her preparation. The Toronado mare meets similar opposition, and she can figure in the finish with even luck in transit. Her overall winning record is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Slate @ $5.50