Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Randwick

POLL: THE COURIER-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners on day one of The Championships at Randwick.

Nathan Exelby

2 min read

April 1, 2016 - 6:07PM

THE COURIER-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners on day one of The Championships at Randwick.

RANDWICK

Track: Soft (6), but likely to keep improving; Weather: Sunny, 31C.

RACE 6: SIRES PRODUCE STKS

1400m, 2YO G1, 2.10pm (Qld time)

In the run: Good Standing should roll forward with Attention and Detective.

Take note: Telperion and Yankee Rose were both excellent in the Golden Slipper, suggesting they will appreciate more ground. Yankee is 2-0 versus the Godolphin runner.

Did you know: Only four winners off the Golden Slipper in the past decade. Two winners were runner-up in the Magic Night, just as Omei Sword was this year. She charged late there and breeding says she will keep getting better the further she goes. Trying to give Chris Waller a breakthrough 2YO G1 in Sydney.

Early money: Money at double figures for Good Standing ($10) and Detective ($12). Telperion solid at $3.80, while Omei Sword has firmed from $6 and Yankee Rose is in from $3.80.

Nathan’s tip: Omei Sword $5.50

Nathan’s danger: Yankee Rose $3.40

RACE 7: AUSTRALIAN DERBY

2400m, 3YO G1, 2.50pm

In the run: Damien Oliver will hope to control the pace on Jameka, unless something is ridden against its established pattern.

Take note: The NZ Derby has provided two of the past eight winners. What’s The Story just missed this year. Drawn to get every chance and jockey Blake Shinn is flying at the moment. Oh So Splendido was beaten similar margins in both the NZ Derby and Rosehill Guineas, so the form can stack up. Tavago comes out of a luckless run in the same race.

Did you know: Tarzino is trying to be the 11th Rosehill Guineas winner to take this since the switch to the autumn in 1979. Had all favours, but was still dominant at Rosehill and proven over this trip in the spring.

Early money: Tarzino is in from $2 and Jameka has been $7.50 to $6.50.

Nathan’s tip: Tarzino $1.90

Nathan’s danger: Tavago $35

RACE 8: TJ SMITH STAKES

1200m, SWFA G1, 3.30pm

In the run: Our Boy Malachi can lead (assuming he jumps) with Flamberge and Dothraki handy. The favs like to get back.

Take note: Delectation and Flamberge have proven this season there’s not a huge gap between the handicappers and WFA sprinters, so won’t be surprised if the Galaxy form stacks up here. English, Shiraz and Fell Swoop were all good there.

Did you know: Exosphere is trying to become the first colt to win this. There’s been five 3yo’s win in 19 years (2 geldings, 3 fillies). Could offer genuine excuses for Exosphere in the Lightning where he was in the wrong part of the track. His Randwick 1200m win last spring was explosive in fast time.

Early money: Exosphere opened $3. Chautauqua solid at $3.50. Fell Swoop $29-$19.

Nathan’s tip: Exosphere $2.75

Nathan’s danger: English $7.50

RACE 9: DONCASTER MILE

1600m, G1 Hcp, 4.10pm

In the run: Opie Bosson was criticised for going too slowly in the Ryder on Turn Me Loose. Expect him to go at a more genuine gallop this time. Vergara, Ecuador and Aomen in pursuit.

Take note: Winx is in effectively 1.5kg lighter than Sunline when she was beaten in this as a 4yo in 2000, but has won an extra G1 to the great mare in the same time. Winx is well in here, despite the historical challenges she faces.

Did you know: Kermadec is trying to emulate former stablemate Sacred Falls in going back to back, but takes a 6kg weight hike, as opposed to the 3.5kg Sacred Falls had. Has not finished worse than second in four goes over the Randwick mile.