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

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby looks for the winners on Day Two of The Championships at Royal Randwick.

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

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ROYAL RANDWICK

Track: Soft (6). Weather: Mostly sunny, 25C.

RACE 6: AUSTRALIAN OAKS

2400m, 3YO Fillies G1, 2.35pm

In the run: Can’t see them wanting to go hard, with most likely to struggle at the trip. Jameka will cross from the wide gate for Damien Oliver and will have company from Believe and Self Esteem.

Take Note: The Kiwis Valley Girl and Capella ran well in the Vinery. Back home in NZ, Sofia Rosa had a clear edge on Valley Girl the last time they met. Lost NZ Oaks on protest last start. Hugh Bowman looks a key booking.

Did you know: Of the last five fillies to place in the ATC Derby, three won (Research, Danendri, Grand Archway), but the two most recent (Shamrocker and Tuesday Joy) were relegated to the placings. Jameka has been excellent against the boys this prep and deserves favouritism.

Early money: Happy Hannah rock solid ($4.60). Sofia Rosa in from double figures. Jameka a little easy. Diamond Made $35-$26.

Nathan’s Tip: Sofia Rosa $8

Nathan’s Danger: Jameka $3.60

RACE 7: SYDNEY CUP

3200m, Hcp G1, 3.15pm

In the run: Café Society and Gallante have led the lead-ups and they might do the same here, presumably at a leisurely tempo, unless one of them decides to make it a serious staying test.

Take Note: Libran is trying to join The Offer and Marooned as the only winners of the Manion/Chairman’s/Cup treble. Carried the big weight to win the Chairman’s, although took an age to get there under the big weight. Maybe the lightly raced Gallante will have more upside here?

Grand Marshal runs down Who Shot Thebarman (rails) to win last year’s Sydney Cup. Picture: Simon Bullard

Did you know: Grand Marshal is out to be the first horse since Tie The Knot (1998-99) to win two Sydney Cups. His lead-up run this time was superior. James McDonald is a key booking and gets handy weight turnaround on Who Shot Thebarman.

Early money: Almoonqith $13-$8 and Gallante $15-$9, meaning Who Shot Thebarman and Libran have both eased from their opening quotes.

Nathan’s Tip: Grand Marshal $4.60

Nathan’s Danger: Gallante $9

RACE 8: COOLMORE LEGACY STAKES

1600m, F & M G1, 3.55pm

In the run: Tempo looks good, with Vergara and Miss Rose De Lago front runners and Supara, Coronation Shallan and maybe Noble Protector keeping them honest.

Take Note: This race has been run at Randwick twice and both times it’s been a blowout result. So can pay to look beyond the obvious. Heavens Above just missed at 1900m last time and the winner (Vergara) was then good in the Doncaster. Back to Randwick/1600m suits.

Did you know: Ciaron Maher has only tried Azkadellia once on the 7-day back-up, where she should have won the G1 Myer in the Spring. Her Coolmore/Doncaster runs have been good.

Early money: Money for a stack of runners at longer odds in a deep betting race. Azkadellia best backed. Suavito went up over the odds and is into $10 now.

Nathan’s Tip: Heavens Above $15

Nathan’s Danger: Azkadellia $3.80

RACE 9: QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES

2000m, G1 SWFA, 4.35pm

In the run: John O’Shea has indicated he would be happy for It’s Somewhat to lead. Awesome Rock crosses over, as will Leebaz.

Take Note: Criterion was soundly beaten in the Ranvet, but he did make a sprint to the 200m before his condition gave out. Won this 3rd up last year and even though his form isn’t as compelling this time, looks set to peak here. Has 4L to make up on The United States, who will appreciate soft ground too.

Did you know: Doncaster placegetters have a fair record in this race, with the likes of Defier, Road To Rock and Grand Armee improving to win. Happy Clapper was excellent again last week. Unproven at the trip, but seven of the past eight winners of this race were stepping up in distance.

Early money: Awesome Rock ($51-$31) has fans hoping for redemption after the Australian Cup protest. It’s Somewhat also popular. Criterion best backed of those shorter in the market.

Nathan’s Tip: Happy Clapper $12

Nathan’s Danger: Criterion $6

Happy Clapper, ridden by Brenton Avdulla (blue, black cap), is unproven at the Sydney Cup trip, but seven of the past eight winners of this race were stepping up in distance. Picture: Jenny Evans

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