Day 1 of The Championships hits Randwick this Saturday with four Group 1s and a huge crowd expected. Caulfield hosts the traditional Easter Cup meeting down south.
Royal Randwick Race 6
#4 CAMPIONE D'ITALIA
Campione D’Italia caught the eyes of punters in the Group 1 Golden Slipper. Despite being a long last at the furlong, the big boy sprouted wings late to finish on the heels of the winners. The step out in trip suits, and I suspect this has been the long-range target race from the astute camp. The current track conditions suit, and he has been heavily supported early doors. His racing pattern and style always require an element of good fortune.
Zambales nearly fell in a busy finish to the slipper. The enigmatic galloper picked himself up, and I suspect he entered the little black book of most punters. He will eat up the seven furlongs, and I expect him to receive a friendly passage in transit on Saturday. The maiden tag is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Campione D’Italia @ $4.00
Royal Randwick Race 7
#7 TENTYRIS
Tentyris is looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. The talented colt had genuine excuses, and he was never a realistic chance against the significant track bias. His win prior in the Group 1 Black Caviar was world-class, and I suspect a repeat performance here would prove too strong for his key rivals. Acid test!
Joliestar is one! The Zoustar mare is chasing a hat-trick of victories, and the form around her is elite! She put her rivals to the sword a long way from home at her latest outing, and she looks well placed in this company. Her track and trip record tells a story, and her opening quote has folded quicker than Superman on laundry day. Dismiss at your own peril!
Suggested Bet: Tentyris @ $3.50
#15 SHEZA ALIBI
Sheza Alibi has one hoof on the till. The Saxon Warrior filly put the boys to the sword in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas, and she looks perfectly placed in this company on Saturday. I suspect the mile is her best trip, and the 49kg should give her key rivals sleepless nights leading into the time-honoured event. Her camp are in rare air at present, and Jamie Melham has spent countless hours in the sauna to for fill the commitment. She has been heavily supported in most all-in markets, and I expect her to jump well into the red. Hard to toss!
Linebacker is ready to produce a peak performance for the campaign. The Super Seth gelding has been racing well without winning, and the form around him is elite. He finds his pet distance on Saturday, and I suspect this has been a long range target from the astute camp. The inform Zac Llyod takes the reins, and the consistent six-year-old must be considered on his versatility alone. The current track conditions suit to a tee, and if the favourite experiences an off day or traffic issues, the big boy can be Johnny on the spot. A must for broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Sheza Alibi @ $2.00
Royal Randwick Race 9
#3 Green Spaces
Green Spaces put the writing on the wall at his latest outing. The Street Boss colt chased home a smart one, and the form out of the race will stand the test of time. The step out in trip is ideal at this stage of his campaign, and the Rachel King and Bjorn Baker combination must be respected. His victory in Newcastle during the spring is still fresh in the memory bank, and he looks the perfect Derby prospect. Hard to toss!
Are You Kidding is over the odds. The Castelvecchio gelding is progressive, and he deserves his shot in this line-up. The longer trip won’t pose any issues, and a victory here would knock plenty of battlers out of the quaddie. The inside draw is advantageous, and his versatility alone makes him a must for all broader multiples and exotics.
Suggested Bet: Green Spaces @ $3.20
Caulfield Race 8
#10 Sea What I See
Sea What I See is ready to win. The Sea The Star mare narrowly missed first-up in a hot form race at Flemington, and she was game in defeat at her latest outing. She traditionally performs well at this stage of her campaign, and she is ready for the 2000m. Tends to find one or two better at the point end of the contest.
Brayden Star can run a drum at cricket-score odds. His best forms reads well for this event, and I suspect he is rock-hard fit after being up longer than a Big Bash season. The drop in trip could prove a training masterstroke, and barrier three should ensure a soft trip throughout. Needs to put another victory on the board.
Suggested Bet: Sea What I See @ $5.00
Caulfield Race 9
#10 Hughes
Hughes can run a race at a price. His victory in the Echuca Cup was a pleasing return to form, and he deserves his shot at the level on Saturday. His best is more than good enough, and he maps to get a perfect run throughout. His track and distance record is rock-solid, and his double-figure quote has been more than nibbled at. Over the odds!
Here To Shock is the class runner. The Shocking gelding is ready to win, and all runs this campaign have been full of merit. The rising nine-year-old will pilot the field with a positive break from the gates, and if he can cheat the clock throughout, he will look the winner as they run for the doctor. The grandstand weight is his biggest obstacle.
