Judgment: Sysmo, Maluckyday and Aeronautical take bookies' fancy
LEADING trainers and bookmakers deliver their final verdicts ahead of the three feature races at Randwick's Kensington track.
RACE 4: INGLIS CHRISTMAS CUP (2400m)
Joe Pride (trainer) Maluckyday: "The step up to 2400m probably suits him more than most in the field. I'm confident he will improve two to three lengths and I am just hoping there will be some speed.''
Gerald Ryan (trainer) Martinvast: "He's pulled up really well from last Saturday and the extra distance is what he needs. It's down to a field of six and he's a fit, in-form horse and deserves his chance.''
Glenn Munsie (TAB): "A small field of seven starters with five of them contesting the 2000m Rosehill race won by Travolta two weeks ago. I know that being out of the winners stall for 37 months doesn't install a great deal of confidence in you but really think topweight Maluckyday can break back in this.
"Since his last win on 30/10/2010 he has contested only 17 races of which only six were at least Group 2. Ran well at Rosehill and at his fourth run back here, (as well as three trials), is right in this because his opposition are anything but flying at present.
"Of the rest I'll give Secessio one last chance because his 2400m form is good.''
Grant Palmer (bookie): "Hoylonny's current data suggests he is ready to run a career-best race. 2400m is an issue for him, but only if it is a high pressure race.
"This looks like being an absolute crawl with a 400m sprint home. If he gets that, as we expect him to, he looks a moral.''
Mark Morrissey (bookie): "No pace here but actually think this will suit Hoylonny who looks to have found the right race, helps him pick them up and get 2400m without many problems.
"Secessio gets on-pace favours but has been finding one better recently. Martinvast is going really well this preparation while Maluckyday look suited at 2400m."
Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "The usual suspects do another lap here. Hoylonny is running into form at least as is Seccessio. Martinvast has a weight advantage while Permit is sure to cover less ground than it did last time.''
Verdict: Hoylonny
RACE 6: VILLIERS STAKES (1550m)
Chris Waller (trainer) Coup Ay Tee, Said Com: "With the weights I'd be leaning to Said Com. I don't know if he is a genuine miler so it is a bit of a relief to see the race back to 1550m.
"He's had the right preparation, he's well weighted and he's well drawn so there will be no excuses. There are other horses as good as Coup Ay Tee in the race but they are still getting to the top whereas he's already there.
"Therefore they have got a weight relief and that's how handicapping works.''
Tony McEvoy (trainer) Sysmo: "He was ready to run 2000m two weeks ago but he had a hoof abscess and we have to scratch him. He hasn't lost anything in fitness, I can assure you.
"I just hope he is fresh enough for the 1550m.''
Glenn Munsie (TAB): "Enormous value here in Scream Machine. He started favourite in the Goulburn Cup when beaten just under a length.
"If he gets back to his Epsom run he could be a moral. Only beaten just under three lengths in that race behind Boban.
"Sysmo is another with recent Melbourne form but on his last Sydney trip had no trouble getting around Canterbury before failing on the (very) heavy at Randwick.
"Alma's Fury is drawn soft again to get a similar run along the inside like last start.''
Grant Palmer (bookie): "Plenty of the form in the lead-ups through Rosehill looks very tired and stale and we are happy to work around it, as we are with Sysmo as his level is a bit off what we have as the required standard for this race.
"That leaves us with Absalon, Taxmeifyoucan and Scream Machine; all much greater odds than we have them assessed and all three worth backing.''
Mark Morrissey (bookie): "A tricky race with a small query on how much pace there is going to be.
"Western Symbol trialled really well and despite long lay-off looks ready to fire first up. Destiny's Kiss is going really well but probably looking for 2000m now.
"Taxmeifyoucan and Limes both look suited here sitting up on the speed and can get away from the pack if ridden with some purpose."
Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "Even race going with Sysmo. Always had a rap on this horse. Taxmeifyoucan is lightly raced and has no weight.
"Scream Machine and Alma's Fury are also hopes in a wide open affair.''
Verdict: Sysmo
RACE 8: RAZOR SHARP HANDICAP (1150m)
Bjorn Baker (trainer) Zaratone: "I'm not worried about the wide barrier, I prefer him out there. He has the speed to cross them.
"I can't be any happier with him, he's meeting virtually the same field he beat comfortably last start.''
Peter Moody (trainer) Club Command: "There's a bit of wear and tear on his knees and fetlocks so we have sent him to Sydney to swing him around the other way.
"He's got a great first-up record, I expect him to run pretty well.''
Glenn Munsie (TAB): "Aeronautical's back after an unsuccessful southern trip in a Group 2 last start 10 weeks ago but he was sensational first up in the Shorts before that.
He has had a trial to ready himself for this. Dee 'N' Gee is one at odds coming in first up and at his last two Listed runs was placed at Randwick and Hawkesbury.
"Master Harry is better weighted than last start and will be there for a long way.
Grant Palmer (bookie): "Zaratone is absolutely flying and has at least one more booming run in him.
"He should be able to cross and assume control and if he does that, will be extremely hard to run down and seems fantastic odds for a horse who profiles as he does.
"Aeronautical looks dangerous but he will be back on the inside with Zaratone hopefully off and gone.''
Mark Morrissey (bookie): "A cracking sprint race with likely good speed here. I have to be with Aeronautical but will need a gem from Hugh Bowman to pick through them in the straight.
"Club Command looks to have been set for this with impressive trials in Sydney and the key booking of Nash Rawiller.
"Master Harry and Dee 'N' Gee appear to be rough hopes worth including in multiples while Jacquinot Bay has a chance if gains a spot in the field."
Tommy from Campbelltown (punter): "Warp speed here and I reckon Safeguard gets his chance. Sits back and swoops as does Aeronautical who flies on the fresh side.
"Dee 'N' Gee gets a suck run while Heart Testa is fit and in form.''
Verdict: Aeronautical
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