The Group 1 Winx Stakes is the feature event this Saturday at Royal Randwick. With spring well and truly here and a host of Group and Listed events on the program, all roads lead to the eastern suburbs! Down south, we head to Moonee Valley with a prep on our step. The Listed Carlyon Stakes is the feature event on a bumper day of racing.
Randwick Race 6
#1 Manaal
Manaal looks poised to strike first-up from a spell. The Tassort filly recently caught the eyes of punters at the trials, and her autumn heroics are still fresh in the memory bank. From barrier four, I suspect she will sit in the out one back position, and if she is fully wound up for a first-up tilt, I expect her to prove too vital late for her rivals. The allocated weight is the primary concern.
Ameena has been heavily supported since markets opened. The form around her reads well for this event, and I expect her to rise to another level during the spring. From barrier ten, she will ping the lids and cross the field, and if she can find the bunny during the race’s early stages, she will look the winner as they run for the doctor. Her fate may be decided during the first furlong.
Suggested Bet: Manaal @ $2.50
Randwick RACE 7
#8 Joliestar
Joliestar looks one of the better bets on a tricky and competitive program of racing. The dual acceptor finds a winnable assignment, and I suspect 1200m is her best distance fresh. The Group 2 Arrowfield winner is building an impressive career record, and her recent barrier trials were first-class. From barrier eleven she will slide back and watch the race unfold, and if she can say in touch with the peloton during the middle stages of the race, I expect her to prove too strong late. Big watch!
Yellow Brick brings winning form to Syndey town. The Mission gelding has been ultra-impressive this campaign in the sunshine state, and I suspect he is ready to explode against some serious performers. He should have the jump and fitness edge on the majority of his rivals, and he looks great each way value. He needs to find another gear in this company.
Suggested Bet: Joliestar @ $3.10
#6 Fangirl
Fangirl was at her brilliant best first-up in the Apollo Stakes during the autumn. She put her rivals to the sword in Winx and Black Caviar style and threw her hat in the ring as Australia’s premier weight-for-age galloper. Unfortunately, her autumn was cut short due to an injury, and I suspect she has been wrapped in cotton wool since. Her recent trial looked scarily good, and if she is 100% sound, I expect her to prove too strong on Saturday. The enforced lay-off is the only knock!
Via Sistina is a marvel. The Fastnet Rock mare oozes class, and her international form knocks off my wig. I expect her to be headed towards some of our spring majors, and I suspect she will be well supported in anything she lines up in. There could be a date with a Cox Plate on the cards, and you wouldn’t write her off in any event between seven and sixteen furlongs. I would prefer to promote her over further deeper into her preparation.
Suggested Bet: Fangirl @ $2.20
Randwick Race 9
#1 Lady Laguna
Lady Laguna is over the odds. The Overshare mare went to a new level during the autumn, and I suspect she will be ready for a first-up tilt on Saturday. Her recent trial got the hairs on her neck standing up, and I guess she can feature in some of our time-honoured events during the spring. One to follow moving forward!
The Black Cloud is flying at present! The Shamus Award mare hasn’t missed a drum since the moon landing, and she deserves her shot at his level. She has had a little freshen-up since her latest victory, and a recent jump-out was silky smooth. Barrier one plays into her favour, and the current track conditions will suit. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Lady Laguna @ $9.00
Moonee Valley Race 7
#9 Sea What I See
Sea What I See has a lovely picket fence next to her name. The Sea The Stars mare has been a revelation for the past twelve months, and I suspect she can reach dizzy heights during the spring. The 53kg looks a luxury; she was a victor the last time she visited Moonee Ponds. The class rise is the primary concern for the highly talented and versatile five-year-old.
St Lawrence is ultra-consistent. The Redwood gelding hasn’t missed a top-four finish all campaign, and the form around him has repeatedly stood up. The 2kg apprentice claim is advantageous; he looks well-placed in this company. The recent winning record is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Sea What I See @ $3.00
Moonee Valley Race 8
#9 Bold Bastille
Bold Bastille is a speed machine. The Brazen Beau filly has won four out of her five career starts, and she is undefeated at the track and distance. The middle gate will allow the brilliant three-year-old to roll forward and pilot the field, and if she doesn’t burn the turf early, she will lead her rivals a merry dance. Hard to toss!
Golden Boom is too consistent to dismiss. The Spirit Of Boom gelding should be rock-hard fit after several gritty performances this preparation, and he looks dangerous jumping from a perfect inside barrier. How the big boy handles the tight turning Moonee Valley circuit is the unknown.
Suggested Bet: Bold Bastille @ $3.00
