Saturday preview: Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby looks at the feature races in Queensland and NSW

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Toowoomba and Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Nathan Exelby

3 min read

April 15, 2016 - 6:00PM

THE Courier-Mail’s racing editor Nathan Exelby breaks down the big races at Toowoomba and Royal Randwick on Saturday.

RANDWICK

Track: Soft (5); Weather: Mostly sunny, 25C

TOOWOOMBA

Track: Good (4); Weather: Mostly sunny, 23C

RANDWICK

RACE 5: CHAMPAGNE STAKES

1600m, 2YO G1, 2.30pm

In the run: A few that can go forward but Glyn Schofield should lob Prized Icon into the perfect spot on the speed.

Take note: Prized Icon took a good step off the Baillieu to win impressively last week in solid figures. Aiming to be the first Fernhill winner to take this since Dracula in 1998. Obscura hasn’t been seen since making up many lengths in the Baillieu and he too will relish the mile.

Did you know: 17 of past 20 winners have come through the ATC Sires. Faraway Town ran very well in that race and should have finished closer after being held up topping the rise. Previous effort over 1200m was also good. Gives impression she will see the trip out.

Early money: Betting stifled all week with the cloud over Yankee Rose. El Sicario ($7.50) attracted money at $34 before the scratching and has been a notable firmer, even allowing for deductions.

Nathan’s tip: Faraway Town $7

Nathan’s danger: Prized Icon $4.20

TOOWOOMBA

RACE 6: TOOWOOMBA CUP

2000m, QTY, 3.17pm

In the run: James Orman will try and slide across on Volkhere. Goldoni, Fuerza and maybe Nissile come with him. Collar kicks up from the inside.

Take note: Honey Toast is unbeaten in three attempts at 2000m or further. Top win under the big weight two starts back then ran credibly back to the mile off a freshen last time. Each of his three middle distance wins have come when stepping from the mile range.

Did you know: Volkhere has only been to this venue once, running a credible second to Pornichet in this race last year. Obviously no horses with that level of talent this time around. Showed he was on target when not far off Honey Toast last start.

Early money: Honey Toast opened $2.75 and has trimmed to $2.50. Was shorter in places, but has got out again.

Nathan’s tip: Honey Toast $2.50

Nathan’s danger: Volkhere $9

RANDWICK

RACE 7: ALL AGED STAKES

1400m, SWFA G1, 3.45pm

In the run: Pace could be a farce. Malaguerra will try to control and expect Hugh Bowman to be right there on Press Statement. Seems English and Kermadec have to go back from their draws.

Take note: Kermadec was clearly amiss in the Doncaster. If you forgive that, he’s the one to beat here, as the rating when second to Winx in the Ryder is a benchmark in this field.

Did you know: Four of the past 12 winners of this have come through the T.J. Smith. English flopped at her only 1400m attempt, but looks a far better horse now. Only Chautauqua had a quicker last 800/600/400m than her on the opening day of The Championships.

Early money: Press Statement easily best backed, firming from $3.60-$3.40.

Nathan’s tip: Kermadec $7

Nathan’s danger: English $4.20

Chris Waller and Kermadec during one of his visits to Melbourne. Picture: Jay Town

TOOWOOMBA

RACE 7: WEETWOOD HANDICAP

1200m, Qty LR, 3.57pm

In the run: Pinch River has the speed to lead from his good gate. Hard Stride, Coolring and Adorabubble won’t be far away.

Take note: Jumbo Prince won on this day last year over 1600m but takes on speedier rivals this time. Noted over further, but sprint/fresh stats are outstanding and he’s a gun on his home track. Michael Cahill guided him to a first up 1200m win last prep and has the ride again.

Did you know: Coolring will be Bjorn Baker’s (pictured) first runner at Toowoomba. The stable has one of the best strike rates in the country this season and Coolring was brave behind Stradbroke fancy Malaguerra last time. He’s flying at the moment.