Complete Randwick Race Day Preview and Expert Selections
This Saturday's ten-race meeting at Randwick Racecourse promises thrilling action for racing enthusiasts across Australia. Our comprehensive preview provides detailed analysis and strategic betting tips for every event on the card, helping you make informed decisions ahead of the day's racing.
Race 1: Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1000m)
Zambales emerges as the most intriguing runner in this opening event, making his debut as a half-brother to TAB Everest runner-up Tempted. His recent trial performances have shown considerable promise, particularly when wearing down the leader to secure victory. While concerns exist about his stamina at this distance following a similar trial trip, his inside gate provides an excellent opportunity.
Home And Dry represents another serious contender, coming from a smart mare who won six races including a stakes event. This filly impressed in her latest trial victory and benefits from a stable renowned for handling young horses effectively. Caloocan Beauty has demonstrated consistent ability in both trial appearances and should maintain a forward position throughout the race.
How to play it: Zambales WIN
Race 2: Midway Handicap (1600m)
Kingston Charm appears well-placed to break through in this competitive Midway event, having shown consistent form with minimal distance between herself and the winners. Her performance alongside subsequent winner Oakfield Saturn at this course demonstrates her capability, though she requires some racing luck to secure victory.
Tenbury Wells has been threatening strongly in recent starts with close fourth-place finishes from back in the field. His versatility in racing patterns provides options from the wide gate, while Artful Persuasion benefits from a favorable draw and weight reduction following midfield efforts in previous Midway events.
How to play it: Kingston Charm EACH-WAY
Race 3: TAB Highway Handicap (1200m)
Kingdom Underseige makes his Highway debut with an impressive record of three wins from four starts under trainer Matt Dunn. His recent victories at Murwillumbah and Lismore were particularly convincing, and when this stable brings runners to Sydney, they typically target success.
Show 'Em Howl returns from a break following a close second in a 1400m Highway event back in September, preparing for the Country Championships with typically consistent performances. Micro Mikki showed promising signs when resuming in a Highway event recently and now benefits from a more favorable barrier position.
How to play it: Kingdom Underseige WIN
Race 4: Jonesway Fabrications Handicap (1400m)
Bella Corazon deserves another chance despite recent starting issues that have compromised her performances. Her effort to sail into third from the tail at Wyong demonstrated genuine ability, and if she can secure a position closer to the speed as she did three starts back, she represents excellent value.
Pretty Powerful won first-up at this distance before stepping up in class and remains a major hope with a favorable weight claim. Cinsault returns to a more suitable grade after being sent out favorite over this track and distance three weeks ago, while Loving could benefit from potential control of the race tempo.
How to play it: Bella Corazon WIN
Race 5: Chandon Handicap (2000m)
Sounds Unusual appears ready to win following three runs back from a spell, having been caught out when stepping up 500m in trip at Wyong. While momentarily left flat-footed when the sprint went on, he recovered strongly to finish second, and the larger Randwick track should provide better opportunities to maintain momentum.
Townsend will benefit significantly from his first-up run and the step up in distance, while dropping considerably in class from his previous assignments. Elliptical has put together two solid performances with placings at Randwick and Wyong, and this event presents no greater challenge than his latest outing.
How to play it: Sounds Unusual WIN
Race 6: Racing and Sports Handicap (1200m)
Gatsby's first run for his new stable suggested he might be returning to form, making good ground from last position in what has proven to be a strong form race. The step up to 1200m and kinder barrier draw provide ideal conditions for him to demonstrate his capabilities.
Bundeena faces a wide gate but has shown a tendency to race forward recently and performed gamely over this course last month. Applaud returns to 1200m following close efforts over slightly longer distances and could replicate his first-up winning performance if sufficient speed develops.
How to play it: Gatsby's EACH-WAY
Race 7: Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap (1600m)
Welcometotheshow brings a significant advantage to this event with a string of impressive victories, including a dominant performance over the Flemington mile last start. The Randwick track should pose no problems, and in this small field he can position just off the speed to continue his winning streak.
Sun God represents a genuine threat with the potential for a tactical ride from jockey James McDonald, while Rolling Magic will likely lead and proved difficult to catch when winning the Nowra Cup at this distance. Hellsing should appreciate the step up in trip following two preparatory runs.
How to play it: Welcometotheshow WIN
Race 8: Schweppes Carrington Stakes (1400m)
Whinchat commands attention in this feature event, with his chances largely dependent on a clean start from the barriers. His overdue victory at Wyong two weeks ago demonstrated his ability to control races and run fast time, making him the horse to beat if he handles the occasion professionally.
Sandpaper should secure an ideal position just off the speed and performed creditably in the Buffering at Eagle Farm last start. His best effort this preparation came over this track and distance two runs ago, while Matcha Latte resumes from a break but brings consistent form including victory in the Provincial-Midway Championships.
How to play it: Whinchat WIN
Race 9: Spelling at Coolmore Mt White Handicap (1200m)
Candlewick has always shown considerable potential and her first run for the new stable provided encouraging signs. The form from that race has proven strong with the winner performing well since, and she now steps up to 1200m with an ideal barrier and familiar jockey combination.
Super Norwest dominated a similar event a month ago and the form has held up strongly with both the second and third placegetters winning since. Beside The Ocean overcame trouble to win fresh over 1000m at this track and now returns to Randwick with the extra 100m likely to suit her racing pattern.
How to play it: Candlewick WIN
Race 10: TAB Handicap (1400m)
Althoff finds himself perfectly suited at this track and distance following his strong victory at Wyong two weeks ago. He carried his first two 1200m runs right through to that win and now peaks with a weight advantage through the claiming allowance, making him difficult to beat with clear running.
Captain Furai resumes with an additional trial after being scratched first-up and while possibly preferring wetter conditions, he brings honest form. Puntin disappointed when resuming but remains unbeaten second-up and could improve significantly, while Interjection won over this course last month and ties in form with the favorite.
How to play it: Althoff WIN
Responsible Gambling Reminder
While horse racing provides exciting entertainment, it's crucial to approach gambling with responsibility and moderation. The tips and opinions expressed in this preview serve informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
If you or someone you know experiences difficulties with problem gambling, confidential support services are available through:
- GambleAware NSW: Phone 1800 858 858 (24/7) or visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
- Gambling Help Online: Phone 1800 858 858 (24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Remember that seeking assistance demonstrates strength, and support networks exist to help maintain healthy relationships with gambling activities.
