Randwick Turf Talk: ‘One of the best wet trackers on the program … and he’s good odds too’

Ray Thomas and Shayne O’Cass debate all the key chances at Royal Randwick on Saturday, where expected wet conditions will play into the hands of an in-form runner.

Ray Thomas is keen on Cruel Summer's chances at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Bradley Photos

Racenet and The Daily Telegraph’s Ray Thomas and Shayne O’Cass debate all the key chances at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Ray Thomas (left) and Shayne O'Cass.

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Ray Thomas: Shayno, there is some conjecture the sun might come out for the Royal Randwick meeting tomorrow – I’ve forgotten what it looks like! Have you done your heavy 10 form?

Shayne O’Cass: Oh yeah. I know some punters hate heavy tracks but I actually like them. It makes the form easier without being easy. Just go for the proven muddies and hope the track is universally heavy/fair.

Thomas: I’m not sure about the wet track conditions for the two-year-olds in the opener but Agarwood was very impressive on debut at Warwick Farm, running faster time than Regulated Affair the same day. Can either trouble Sequista?

A very nice win to Agarwood at Warwick Farm! 💥@clarkyhk | @GaiWaterhouse1 | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/FyBp2m8DAG

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 7, 2025

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O’Cass: I also did the muddie pedigrees RT, doesn’t always work out precisely, but if it comes down to who is bred to get through it the best of these, it is Matima.

Thomas: This is a good Highway with So You Pence and Shropshire Lad the ones to beat. I’m going to have a save each way on My Last Hooray as he will get through the heavy going.

O’Cass: Loved your Frank Cleary piece, he could have nearly won two Slippers had it not been for Burst. Then again, Clarry Conners could have won 5 but for Encounter’s swerve – ouch. I am a big Chemtrail man, RT. He’s such a naturally talented horse.

Thomas: Green Fly is the one to beat in the Charity Challenge Handicap. He’s tough to watch as he gets so far back early in his races but he does have a powerful finish and he’s a real mudlark.

💚 Green Fly from nowhere nabs Cool Jakey right on the line to give @LaneDamian a Rosehill double!@FreedmanRacing | @OTIRacing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/aOe9GpWSak

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 1, 2025

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O’Cass: Concur RT. I am eager to see how Diablo Bolt goes here first-up. He’s a good horse.

Thomas: Cruel Summer is one of the better we-trackers on the program, he’s in great form and he will enjoy the heavy in the second last. He’s good odds, too.

O’Cass: I’ll be on Kazalark unless the market says ‘don’t’.

Thomas: I reckon we can get out in the last with She’s Unusual. She will be fitter for the first-up run and is another who excels on wet tracks.

She's Unusual leads the journey and kicks away for an easy win!@JohnOSheaRacingpic.twitter.com/iZxe5v8Vh9

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 17, 2024

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Thomas: What about Brisbane and the Doomben Cup and Origin next Wednesday night? Pride Of Jenni is going to take some catching at Doomben and go the Blues in the opening game of the series.

O’Cass: Would love to see her win, love a champion horse.

Originally published as Randwick Turf Talk: ‘One of the best wet trackers on the program … and he’s good odds too’