The new racing season begins with the Group 2 Missile Stakes at Randwick, while Caulfield hosts another tough and competitive winter card.
Royal Randwick Race 6
#6 Durova
Durova gets her opportunity in the city after turning heads of the punters on the country and provincial scenes. This is a sharp class rise, however; I suspect she is ready to peak on Saturday. Her first-up performance at Grafton was outstanding, and she is always thereabouts. Can win with even luck in transit.
Beast Mode is a genuine speed machine. The 1000m specialist will ping the lids and look for the winner as they cut the ribbons. The low draw puts him into all winning calculations, and he looks well-suited at this level. The grandstand weight and his recent winning record are the biggest deterrents.
Suggested Bet: Durova @ $11.00
Royal Randwick Race 7
#5 Tazima
Tazima is airborne at present. The Awtaad gelding is building a picket fence next to his name, and he meets easier opponents on Saturday. The perfect inside alley is advantageous, and he finds his pet trip. The featherweight puts one hoof on the till, and I suspect he will have plenty of supporters after producing a successful campaign to date. Clearly the one to beat!
Boniface can spring an upset if the favourite has an off-day or experiences traffic issues. The Make Believe gelding has been knocking on the door all campaign, and the form around him has stood up time and again. His record at the trip is impressive, and he has been well supported. Acid test!
Suggested Bet: Tazima @ $1.80
#1 Angel Capital
Angel Capital is a superstar. The Harry Angel gelding was breathtaking last campaign without winning, and his Everest performance was mind-blowing. The big boy oozes class, and he traditionally motors fresh. The Chris Waller polish will play a role, and he has been well supported early doors. His ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory is the biggest deterrent.
Ninja resumes after producing a brilliant and eye-catching summer preparation. He was a good thing licked at the Magic Millions, and he raced consistently well at the top level during the autumn. The boom four-year-old finds a winnable assignment fresh, and the money trail tells a story. He finds his best distance on Saturday, and I expect him to be cherry ripe for the Group 2 event. Hard to toss.
Suggested Bet: Angel Capital @ $3.00
Royal Randwick Race 9
#3 Scripted
Scripted has trialled well leading into her first-up assignment. The Written By mare does her best work fresh, and she finds the ideal distance first-up from a spell. The middle gate provides the inform Kerrin McEvoy multiple options in the run, and her opening quote has folded faster than Superman on laundry day. The current track conditions suit to a tee, and the camp has a high opinion of the bonny mare. Yes please!
Ernaux keeps finding one or two better during the final quarter. The I Am Invincible Mare should be rock-hard fit after a lengthy preparation, and a victory here wouldn’t surprise. Barrier four suits, and the key booking of Tyler Schiller should raise eyebrows. Very talented on her day, however, the bookies could build a statue of her.
Suggested Bet: Cruiserweight @ $2.25
Caulfield Race 7
#2 Madero
Madero is ready to win. All runs this campaign have been leading towards Saturday, and the big boy finally finds the right trip. The Lope De Vega gelding will be aided by the apprentice claim, and his camp are training winner for fun at present. The drop in grade is significant, and I expect him to peak during the final stanza on Saturday. A must for all broader multiples and exotics at a price!
Zorro’s Flight is a model of consistency. The Toronado gelding hasn’t missed a top two finish since the moon landing, and he deserves his shot at this level on Saturday. The flood of early money has been significant, and I am expecting another bold and forward performance. Hardest test to date, however, he can measure up with even luck in transit.
Suggested Bet: Madero @ $12.00
Caulfield Race 8
#8 First Chorus
First Chorus is chasing a hat-trick of victories. The talented mare looks well placed in this company, and she meets the usual suspects. Her career record is more than impressive, and the current soft conditions play into her favour. The middle gate suits, and she looks one of the better bets on a competitive and tricky winter program. Push the chips in!
Magnaspin is over the odds. The always consistent galloper rarely runs a poor race, and the next victory is just around the corner. A double-figure quote represents great each-way value, and I suspect the camp have targeted this event. The pilot is arguably in career-best form, and a victory here wouldn’t surprise. Too classy to pot.
Suggested Bet: First Chorus @ $3.00
