Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Eagle Farm and Randwick
THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby gazes into his crystal ball in search of winners at Eagle Farm and Royal Randwick on Saturday.
THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby gazes into his crystal ball in search of winners at Eagle Farm and Royal Randwick on Saturday.
SPORTSMAN PREVIEW: RANDWICK
SPORTSMAN PREVIEW: EAGLE FARM
HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS
BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS
FRIDAY FORMLINE: EXPERT OPINION
THE FACTORS
EAGLE FARM
Track: Soft (5)
Weather: Late shower, 26C
RANDWICK
Track: Soft (5)
Weather: Rain clearing, 17C
Randwick Race 5: Silver Shadow Stakes
1200m, 3YO F G2, 2.20pm
In the run: Good speed. Thyme For Roses will be right there. Zelady’s Night Out likely crosses with her. Bacarella, Rather Sweet not far away. Backmarkers should get their chance.
Take note: Omei Sword is perhaps the most promising of these. Bred to excel once she gets to a mile so the question is whether she’s sharp enough to win at 1200m? She’s looked good in recent trials.
Did you know: Thyme For Roses was ridden out to win a hot recent trial, featuring the likes of Haptic, Dixie Blossoms, Japonisme and Generalife. Admittedly, others had more in reserve, but still expecting her to give a big sight from the front.
Early money: Omei Sword has been one of the best backed runners around the country and is holding her place firmly atop the market.
Nathan’s tip: Thyme For Roses $10
Nathan’s danger: Omei Sword $2.60
Eagle Farm Race 7
1MW 1200m, 3.52pm
In the run: Flo Jo Snip will run them along. Dantga and True Royal kick up from inside draws. Johnhro, Sambuca Shot and Anecdote handy.
Take note: Anecdote was narrowly beaten in a blanket finish first up. Second up stats are far more appealing and extra trip suits. He rates to win this on his big Doomben win last preparation. Steve O’Dea stable is still airborne, striking at 26% from past 50 runners.
Did you know: Johnhro hasn’t raced for 38 days, when he beat Hi I’m Back, who has won twice since. Has built an impressive strike rate and comes in nicely after the claim.
Early money: $5 the field with Dantga narrowly shading Taillevent ($5.50) yesterday. Seven others at $12 or shorter, so expect spirited betting. True Royal has been $11 to $9.50.
Nathan’s tip: Anecdote $12
Nathan’s danger: Johnhro $10
Randwick Race 8: Toy Show
1300m, F & M G3, 4.20pm
In the run: Doesn’t look a lot of speed on paper. Opportunity might be there for a jockey or two to take the initiative and control this.
Take note: Elle Lou steps up from benchmark grade, but gets monster weight drop to offset, plus she has residual fitness on her side compared to key rivals. Ratings from her three wins this prep stack up strongly.
Did you know: Dixie Blossoms claimed the scalp of Tsaritsa in her debut prep, which took her all the way to a G3 placing behind subsequent G1 winner Single Gaze. Real eye-catcher in latest trial and trainer Ron Quinton hopes she can fill the void left by the death of stable star Peeping.
Early money: Pearls ($9-$7), Pioneering ($5.50 to $4.70) and Elle Lou (in from $6) have all trimmed up.
Nathan’s tip: Elle Lou $4.20
Nathan’s danger: Dixie Blossoms $3.90
Eagle Farm Race 8: Class 3 Plate
1600m, C3 SW, 4.32pm
In the run: The big field will ensure there’s some pressure early to find a spot, but there’s no noted tearaways, so can see them pulling up pretty quickly and shouldn’t be a disadvantage to be near the front.
Take note: San Telmo was given a gun ride by Michael Hellyer to win last time over a trip considered short of his best. Stays at the mile here and that’s the query. Will he need further now?
Did you know: Stella Di Notte was only 1.5L away in stakes grade as a 2yo. Then only had one run in the spring, so hasn’t had the chance to live up to it yet. Two runs back from lengthy break have been encouraging and shaping like this trip will suit.
Early money: San Telmo a clear favourite and then it’s wide open away from him. Bound For Love ($8) is likely to find admirers today.
Nathan’s tip: Stella Di Notte $13
Nathan’s danger: San Telmo $3.60
Originally published as Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Eagle Farm and Randwick
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