The inaugural running of the Supernova is the main event this Saturday at Pakenham. With the Listed Pakenham Cup also featuring on the bumper card of racing, a large local crowd is expected trackside. Royal Randwick hosts a typically tough and competitive summer program in Sydney town. Find out below who our experts are expecting to score an early Christmas present!
Pakenham Race 6
#6 Running By
Running By has one hoof on the till. The Impending mare was an impressive last-start winner at Flemington, and a recent jump out will have her cherry ripe for Saturday’s assignment. The 1400m is ideal after a little freshen-up, and she looks the likely leader on paper. The classy five-year-old handles all conditions, and I suspect this race has been on the radar all year. The camp is training winners for fun, and she will start one of the shortest-price favourites on the card. Hard to toss!
Oh Too Good can win if the favourite has an off day or experiences traffic problems. The All Too Hard mare is flying at present, and the drop back in trip could prove a training masterstroke. The versatile four-year-old will camp on the leader’s back from the inside draw, and if the gaps appear before they enter the final furlong, I expect her to make her presence felt late. A must for all broader exotics and multiples.
Suggested Bet: Running By @ $2.30
Pakenham Race 8
#6 Nadal
Nadal put his rivals to the sword at Cranbourne. He showed a devastating turn of foot late, and I suspect the penny has finally dropped. The Xtravagant gelding meets easier opposition, and he scarily has further improvement to come for the campaign. The stable have a high opinion of the enigmatic four-year-old, and I expect his quote to enter the red before the barriers open on Saturday. The one to beat!
Here To Shock can bounce back after a rare last-start flop. The classy customer had genuine excuses, and his form prior was delicious. His victory over the flying Gringotts reads extremely well for this event, and I suspect he will pilot the field with a clean jump from the barriers. A recent barrier trial looked ominous, and a little freshen up plays into his favour. He will be thereabouts.
Suggested Bet: Nadal @ $2.60
#1 Smokin' Romans
Smokin’ Romans has turned back the clock. The talented eight-year-old was an impressive winner two starts back at headquarters, and he was game in defeat in unsuitable conditions at his latest outing. The 2500m is ideal at this stage of his preparation, and he has been heavily supported since acceptances. The Ethan Brown and Ciaron Maher combination must be respected, and I suspect the old boy will look the winner as they charge into the home straight.
Goldman looks poised to strike. Both runs this preparation have been teasing, and he finds a suitable trip third-up from a spell. The Verdi gelding promised the world early doors, and his best performance here could blow away his rivals. I suspect this event has been a long-range target from the Queen of Australia racing, and a win here could springboard him back into elite form. Major player.
Suggested Bet: Smokin’ Romans @ $4.00
Pakenham Race 10
#8 Is It Me
Is It Me is knocking on the door. The Iffraaj gelding is ultra-consistent and finds a winnable assignment on Saturday. The 1400m plays into his favour, and I suspect his racing pattern and style will suit the long Pakenham home straight. The talented five-year-old has been well supported in early betting, and with even luck in transit, he will play a key role inside the final furlong. He tends to find one better on race day.
Grand Impact can run a drum at cricket score odds. Both runs this preparation have been good without threatening, and I suspect he is ready to peak third-up from a spell. He meets easier opposition and has been crying out for the longer trip since Shakespeare was written. A perfect inside draw will allow him to push forward, and if he can find the bunny uncontested during the race’s early stages, he will look the winner as they run for the doctor. Over the odds!
Suggested Bet: Is It Me @ $6.00
Randwick Race 8
#5 Highlights
Highlights is ready to win. Both runs this campaign have been ominous, and his current form is better than it reads in the bible. Barrier one is advantageous, and I expect the Your Song gelding to grow wings on a firmer surface. The rising eight-year-old has been specked at a price, and his best effort here could be fences and panels better than his rivals. Take on trust!
Uzziah is a model of consistency. The Outreach gelding deserves his shot at this level, and his light-allocated weight puts him into all winning conversations. From barrier five, he will roll forward and take up his favourite position as race leader, and if he can catch his rivals napping before they swing for home, he may prove hard to run down. Acid test.
Suggested Bet: Highlights @ $8.00
RANDWICK Race 9
#1 Our Kobison
Our Kobison is racing well at present. The significant drop in grade is ideal, and I suspect he has the fitness edge on the majority of his rivals after a lengthy and fruitful preparation. The inside draw will allow him to occupy the box seat throughout, and the 2kg apprentice claim could prove a training masterstroke. Push the chips in!
Time To Boogie will have supporters after producing a string of impressive barrier trials. The Sooboog gelding excels fresh, and the form around him has repeatedly stood up. Rachel King has a fantastic relationship and record with the precocious five-year-old, and the big boy loves Randwick more than Tommy Smith. The long layoff is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Our Kobison @ $4.20
