Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races around Australia

BEST BETS: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races around Australia on Saturday.

Nathan Exelby

2 min read

March 4, 2016 - 6:24PM

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races around Australia on Saturday.

RANDWICK

RACE 5: CANTERBURY STAKES

1300m, G1 SWFA, 1.50pm (Qld time)

In the run: Our Boy Malachi and Holler will cross to be the pacemakers, with Ecuador keeping them company.

Take note: Our Boy Malachi thrashed Solicit fresh and that mare then ran well behind Winx and notched a track record last week. First Seal got the better of Telepathic, who wouldn’t get near Solicit. She is open to plenty of improvement but needs to, while Malachi gets dream run on the speed.

Did you know: Kermadec is a stallion prospect and Chris Waller will be keen to grab any G1 opportunities he can. Expect him to be more wound up here than he was early in the spring.

Early money: Kermadec is in from $7.50. First Seal ($2.70) has assumed favouritism after opening second pick on Wednesday.

Nathan’s tip: Our Boy Malachi $3.30

Nathan’s danger: Kermadec $6

DOOMBEN

RACE 5: BENCHMARK 75

1050m, 2.42pm

In the run: Speed from everywhere here and quite a few will be outside their normal comfort zones.

Take note: Brian Smith trained Sony Legend showed himself to be above average last time in and his fresh record is good. Barrier is a test, but he’s been versatile to race well on speed or back in the field.

Did you know: I Am Boss missed the place for the first time in 10 outings at Doomben last time. Draws much better here and he’s placed 3/3 second up. Looks like getting the gun run among the main chances here.

Early money: Corryvreckan is the fav off a last-start cracker, where the form has stacked up. Is 599 days between wins now and needs luck from back in the field but concede he’s well placed.

Nathan’s tip: I Am Boss $8.50

Nathan’s danger: Sony Legend $6.50

FLEMINGTON

RACE 7: AUSTRALIAN GUINEAS

1600m, 3yo G1, 3.30pm

In the run: Xtravagant can take it up, with Mahuta crossing. River Wild and Bon Aurum handy.

Take note: After winning only once in the first 21 years, fillies have a good recent record and should measure up here. The Vanity clocked quicker time/sectional than Tivaci/Palentino and therefore Jameka and Perfect Reflection are in the game. So too Risque (suited trip) and Sailing By (tested Mahuta).

Star Kiwi colt Xtravagant is favourite for the Australian Guineas at Flemington. Picture: Nick Reed

Did you know: An NZ-trained horse is yet to win this race, with Xtravagant trying to become the first. Has to bring his form across the Tasman, but on face value, beating the likes of Volkstok’n’barrell by 8+ lengths is brilliant form for this.

Early money: Xtravagant is in from $3.80. Darren Weir polish expected to rub off on Perfect Reflection, who is in from $11.

Nathan’s tip: Xtravagant $3

Nathan’s danger: Perfect Reflection $9

RANDWICK

RACE 8: CHALLENGE STAKES

1000m, G2 SWFA, 3.50pm

In the run: Ball Of Muscle holds the inside. Lord Of The Sky has speed to be there. Speak Fondly gets trail.

Take note: English has trialled like a bomb twice, the latest easily overhauling Capitalist and prior to that leaving First Seal/Winx in her wake. Might have more zip than her better performed Gai Waterhouse-trained stablemate Speak Fondly.

Did you know: Ball Of Muscle hasn’t missed a place in 17 career starts and is 2/3 over the Randwick 1000m. Second to Buffering in the spring is a measuring stick for this race.