Racing at Royal Randwick on Saturday 25 May. Forecast is for a Soft 6 track, with the rail +5m and 8m from the 900m to the winning post. This generally makes it a bit tougher for the backmarkers to make up ground, and we’ll be focusing on runners who should be settling midfield or better. Let’s see if we can find some winners.
Our first look is Orient’s Secret in race 3, TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap (1200m). Second up after a nice run at Ipswich in similar grade, just going down to Pizarro by half a length. He’s got a great record at this distance (five starts for two wins and two placings), one win from two starts second up, and won’t have any problems with the soft surface. Look for him to settle a bit more forward than his last start and hit the line strongly.
Hiawatha looks an interesting each way prospect in race 4, PF Civil Bm78 Handicap (2400m). Stepping out to 2400m will be the query, but he looked to hit the line strongly last start over 2100m running second to Earth Dance with a gap to third. He has been racing consistently this prep without winning, and the $12 on offer looks about right. The favourite Quantum Cat will be dropping back off a wide gate and hoping to run over the top of them, but there could be an upset on the cards.
Race 7, Taylor Construction Bm78 Handicap (1000m), is sure to bring some drama, with a number of starters first up. We are liking the look of The Black Cloud, a lightly raced mare by Group 1 winner Shamus Award. One from one first up, two for two on soft going, and jockey Jay Ford (three starts, two wins and a second) keeps the steer. Testator Silens could be an each-way value play if they are running on later in the day.
Nailing the quaddie is always challenging with the big fields in Sydney. We’ve tried to keep the numbers in each leg down, forcing ourselves to leave a few out who we might otherwise include…hopefully its not going to bite us! Here’s our numbers:
3/11/12/14
5/10/14
2/3/7/12
10/13/17/18/21
Fingers crossed we have some value come home in the last.
And if studying the form isn’t your thing, Mistress M. believes November Falls in race 2 is the best named runner on the card. And she jumps from barrier 11 (November is the eleventh month…). Do with that what you will!
As published on Thoroughbrednews.com.au