Racing enthusiasts are set for a thrilling day at Royal Randwick this Saturday, with a ten-race card offering plenty of opportunities for punters. Our comprehensive preview breaks down each event, highlighting the leading contenders and value chances across the program.
Midway and Highway Handicaps Kick Off the Day
The action gets underway with the Midway Handicap over 1400 metres at 12:35pm. Oui Oui Oui stands out as the one to beat following her strong win over 1200m a fortnight ago. The step up in distance from a perfect gate looks ideal. Key dangers include Kyeema, who is back in grade after a narrow defeat, and Danish Prince, who won first-up at Newcastle.
Race 2 is the always-competitive TAB Highway Handicap over 1200 metres. This looks wide open, but Navy Steel gets the nod on an each-way basis after a solid fresh run from a poor draw. Cougars, with a significant weight drop, and the resuming Antilocapra are also among the leading hopes.
Feature Races and Key Contenders
The spelling at Coolmore Mt White Handicap (Race 3) sees the promising Tigroni favoured to improve on a brave debut effort. The speedy By Choice and Maribyrnong Plate winner Tornado Valley add intrigue to the two-year-old contest.
Later on the card, the Petaluma Handicap (Race 5) features the exciting debut winner Ice Kool, who smashed his rivals at Warwick Farm and is tipped to measure up in this tougher assignment. The Schweppes Handicap (Race 6) appears a suitable target for Charleroi, who had excuses last start and will appreciate the rise to a mile.
Late Card Selections and Betting Strategy
The latter stages of the meeting present several intriguing battles. In Race 8, Snack Bar is given another chance to break through after a luckless second-up run where he was nabbed right on the line. He is peaking third-up and drawn to get every opportunity.
The staying test of the TAB Handicap over 2000 metres (Race 9) looks ideal for the in-form Kind Words, who scored an easy win at Rosehill last time out. The program concludes with the Catanach's Jewellers Handicap (Race 10), where Althoff is strongly fancied if he gains a start, following an eye-catching first-up performance.
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