Racing returns to Randwick on Saturday where another quality 10-race card has been set.
Like we saw throughout the autumn, rain has continued to wreak havoc on the track, and we’re currently set to race on a Heavy 10 with the rail remaining in the true position.
For our best bets ahead of every race on the program, check out our preview below.
Preview brought to you by Ladbrokes. Learn more about Ladbrokes HERE.
Race 1 – Highway Handicap (1400m)
Zadig stuck to the task at Scone a couple of weeks ago over further and should appreciate getting back to 1400m now.
The lightly-raced three-year-old is yet to run a place in four attempts over this distance, but he appears to be nearing his peak now based on his last two starts.
He’s drawn to settle midfield with Alysha Collett retaining the ride and he won’t mind some sting out of the track with a win on heavy going to his name.
Race 2 – Precise Air Handicap (1400m)
Hard to argue with the performance Backrower produced on debut at Newcastle.
Michael Freedman’s colt settled back and produced a huge turn of foot on the widest part of the track, and I thought the way he won with plenty in hand was encouraging.
Off that, out to 1400m is a huge tick, and he should eat up another wet track.
Race 3 – Canterbury League Club Handicap (1400m)
Happy to take the price on offer for Nicci’s Fling here.
The daughter of Nicconi has been up for a while, but she’s been racing well against tougher company of late, most recently running on for fifth in the Group 2 Dark Jewel at Scone.
She didn’t have the best of luck at the top of the straight that day but I thought she still finished well considering. Has performed well at Randwick in the past and should find this much easier back in grade.
Race 4 – Midway Handicap (1200m)
Keen to see how Calgary Queen goes on the quick backup for the first time.
The decision from the stable warrants plenty of respect, and if she races anything like she did last week at Rosehill she should be tough to beat.
The Real Impact mare looked as though she was on her way to a win with 100m to spare before she was gunned down late by Mariamia. Expecting she settles handy again, this time under Jason Collett, and I think she’ll be tough to beat.
Race 5 – Wilson Asset Management Handicap (2400m)
Happy to be with the favourite Bonny Ezra in this small field.
The Chris Waller-trained six-year-old narrowly beat stablemate Caboche at Scone a couple of weeks ago, a horse that goes around in the Queensland Derby as one of the main chances.
He’s failed to run a place in two starts over 2400m in the past, but the way he kept finding last time out suggested he might be better suited now. Form on rain-affected going reads well and he should be in this for a long way.
Race 6 – Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Handicap (1200m)
Tricky race, so I’m going to take a flier on Huesca at a decent price.
The Waterhouse and Bott-trained colt has made only two starts to date, the most recent coming back in September when he finished sixth in a colts and geldings race at The Valley behind Mynumerouno.
The form out of that has been sensational to say the least, and so too has this three-year-olds trial form. Slight query n the heavy, but he’s drawn well and is worth an each-way ticket.
Race 7 – Taylor Construction Handicap (1100m)
I’m willing to bet around Andermatt here and have something on All Time Legend instead.
The son of Zoustar has made one start for one win on heavy going and he couldn’t have been more impressive first-up at Rosehill last year when he was denied only narrowly in the July Sprint.
He failed to win a race during a shortened spring but he does own two wins fresh. Drawn low and with next to no weight on his back, he could sneak a place.
Race 8 – Fujitsu General Handicap (1400m)
We’re getting a nice price here for Fender, who comes out of the Scone Cup where he ran fourth.
The son of Toronado just lacked the polish in the dying stages when he ran out of legs, but back to 1400m against easier company looks ideal.
Two-time winner on heavy going, and although the rail mightn’t be the place to be at this stage of the day, he should get a lovely run in transit with only 54kg’s on his back.
Race 9 – Uphire Handicap (1300m)
Hard to feel confident in this race, but I’m willing to give Sacrimony a mulligan on his latest performance at Scone.
The race was there to be won before he ultimately weakened out under pressure, but with a few kgs off and a jockey change, I think he can make amends.
Barrier 11 should see him get back and run on and there’s a lot to like about his heavy track form also.
Race 10 – PF Civil Handicap (1100m)
How can you knock the form of American President?
All four of his wins have come on heavy going and he was only beaten late by hat-trick winner Athelric at Scone last time out.
He may be looking for further now, but back to Randwick where he’s won before, and with the claim put to good use, I’m happy to have him on top in another impossible race.
