Royal Randwick hosts an 8 race card for the Boxing Day races. The cards feature race is in Race 7, The Yulong Summer Cup over 2000m worth $250k. The rail is out 8m for the entirety and conditions are set to be GOOD/SOFT with fine/overcast weather predicted. watch and monitor. The first race commences at 1:35pm and the last concludes at 6:00pm.
Shannon Buckley has done the form to bring you his best bets for day from Randwick, with odds thanks to Palmerbet. And if you’re after more free tips for this weekend’s key meetings, then head over to our Racing Tips page!
Royal Randwick Racing Tips: Friday, December 26th 2025
Race 4: Buy An Arrowfield Graduate BM64 1000m - 3:20pm (AEDT)
(1) Straand Beauty: Resuming 4YO who showed plenty of promise last campaign, capping it off with a strong all-the-way victory over 1100m on a soft track. Has since tuned up with two solid trials and looks set to roll forward and take up a prominent position once again. Draws ideally, benefits from a handy 2kg claim, and should get every chance to dictate. Expect him to be in the mix for a long way and give a bold sight fresh.
(5) Beside The Ocean: Talented filly who made an immediate impression in her two runs last preparation. On debut she showed natural speed, led, and stuck on well, only being run down by a smart type. Second up she went to another level, dictating proceedings on a heavy track and cruising to a dominant near 4-length victory, with a further 4 lengths back to third. Has trialled twice in preparation for this return, draws a lovely gate, and has Jason Collett staying aboard for the Waller stable. Profiles as the clear one to beat.
(5) Beside The Ocean WIN
$3.00 (2 Units)
Race 5: Star Turn @ Vinery Stud BM78 1000m - 4:00pm (AEDT)
(2) Unique Ambition: Former Group 1 performer who has proven herself capable at a much higher level than this. Drops sharply in grade today and finds a far more suitable assignment, aided by a valuable 2kg claim. Her last two runs were below her best, however a recent trial suggested she may be turning the corner. Has a solid fresh record and is well suited on a soft track. If she recaptures anything near her better form, she can easily outrun her odds and shapes as a genuine roughie.
(7) Couples Retreat: Honest and consistent mare who continues to put herself in the finish. Has won both first and second up this preparation and has since held her form well, finishing in the placings at her last three runs. Profiles as a mare in good order, maps for another economical run, and should again be right in the firing line. A genuine hope who deserves plenty of respect.
(8) Indefensible: Was outstanding last start over this trip, unleashing a powerful finish from the rear to sweep past the field and score impressively. Clocked the fastest late sectionals of the entire meeting, underlining just how strong the performance was. Likely to settle back again and while she steps up in class, the manner of that win suggests she is more than capable of measuring up and running on to score. Looks a strong winning chance again.
(8) Indefensible WIN
$5.00 (1.5 Units)
Race 8: Yulong Summer Cup 2000m - 5:20pm (AEDT)
(1) Estadio Mestalla: Tough and reliable 7YO who continues to race in excellent heart, recording 2 wins and 2 seconds from his last five starts. Rarely runs a poor race and is sure to have plenty of admirers again. Proven on soft going and should enjoy conditions to suit. The slight knock is that he’s yet to break through over the mile, but his current form suggests he won’t be far away and is right in the mix for another strong showing.
(7) Shangri La Spring: Put in a very solid performance last start when stepping up to this trip in Listed grade, holding his own against strong company. Has since trialled well, indicating he has come through that run in good order. Drops back into a suitable race here and looks well placed to be prominent again. Profiles as a major player and a clear winning chance.
(5) Tavi Time: Hard to give up on this fellow, especially after sticking with him over his last few runs. Has had excuses along the way and now looks to land in a much more suitable scenario. Smaller field, step out to 2000m, and a good draw should allow him to find a cosy run in transit. If he gets the right tempo and a touch of luck, he’s capable of finally delivering and shapes as a genuine value play.
(5) Tavi Time E/W
$7.00/$2.40 (1U/2U)
