Racing enthusiasts are set for a thrilling day at Royal Randwick this Wednesday, December 18, with a competitive ten-race card on offer. Expert form analyst Ray Hickson has pinpointed key runners to watch, including the likes of Navy Buoy, Ripley, and Bartolf, who are all primed for strong performances.
Highlights and Key Races to Watch
The action kicks off at 12:35pm with the TAB Plate for the two-year-olds, where the undefeated Shiki is tipped to continue her winning ways. The filly was impressive winning the Gimcrack Stakes in October and has trialled sharply since. She faces challenges from promising first-starters like Warwoven and Norman's Cay, but her race fitness gives her a distinct edge.
One of the day's feature events is Race 3, the TAB Highway Handicap over 1600 metres. Here, Navy Buoy stands out as a strong each-way chance. The gelding has won two of his three starts this preparation and was unlucky not to make it three. He drops in weight and has drawn perfectly in barrier nine, setting him up for a bold showing.
Classy Runners Return to the Track
In Race 4, the Macquarie St Social Handicap, the James Cummings-trained Ripley makes her highly anticipated return. The mare has been freshened since competing at Listed level during the spring, where she was far from disgraced. A recent trial suggests she is ready to fire first-up, and despite carrying top weight, she is selected as the one to beat against promising types like Plaintiff and Lancelot Du Lac.
The later stages of the program feature several horses in winning form. Mortal Halo seeks a third win this preparation in Race 5, while Bestower is favoured to make it back-to-back victories in the 2400-metre staying test of Race 6. The consistent King's Secret gets his chance in Race 7, dropping significantly in weight after a promising first-up run.
Bartolf Tipped to Cap Off the Day
The final event, the Petaluma Handicap, could see the Chris Waller-trained Bartolf break through. The gelding has been racing in strong form lines behind a handy horse in Tuned and gets his preferred dry track conditions. While he has drawn wide in barrier 14, the anticipated genuine speed in the race should allow him to slot in and be a major factor in the finish.
Other notable chances across the card include Oakfield Saturn in the Midway Handicap, Gallant Star who is racing in excellent form, and the in-form Bella Corazon who looks a major player in Race 9.
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