Royal Randwick hosts a 10 race card with the first Group race of the season being the Group 2 Missile Stakes in Race 8 over 1200m. The track is currently rated SOFT with no rain expected leading in or on Raceday. The rail is out 4m for the entire circuit. The first race kicks off at 11.30am AEST.
Shannon Buckley has done the form to bring you his best bets for day from Randwick, with odds thanks to Next2Go - your new punting playground! 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: Saturday, August 8th 2026
Race 3 – Precise Air BM72 - 1400m (12:40pm AEST)
(1) Dusty Bay – 4YO Gelding who got the chocolates two starts back over this trip/grade at Warwick Farm with Sienna Grima in the saddle. Last start tackled 1500m and finished 7th, 3L off the winner. Reunites with Grima now and gets back to 1400m which is ideal. Unplaced on the soft deck being the only concern, but with no rain leading in we may see a track upgrade which will bring him into play. Value.
(3) Persian Wonder – This promising 3YO gelding enters his third racing preparation looking like a far more mature athlete. He kicked off this campaign in style, shaking off his maiden status with a dominant 1200m win at Canterbury where he sat on the pace and pulled away late — a performance that signalled plenty of upside. His previous form is also highly encouraging. Last prep, he was competitive in elite company, recovering from a missed start to finish a respectable sixth in the Group 1 Moët & Chandon, beaten just six lengths. Two starts before that, he proved his quality with an excellent second-place finish in Group 3 company over this exact trip. While this represents a rise in class, he has already proven he can match strides with stakes-grade performers. Stripping fitter second-up, his handy racing style should see him deep in the finish. The favourite is the obvious danger, but at the current short price, this gelding represents the better each-way value play.
(5) Avista – 4YO Mare who looks to be quite the talent with her 4 starts for 3 wins and a placing. She has been winning well too of note. Most recently won by nearly 5L. Comes to the big smoke now and takes on tougher opposition, but looks to be the talented type that can run well again. Top jockey, James McDonald gets into the saddle, drawn well and looks every chance. Even money may be a touch too short though? Goes well.
(3) Persian Wonder - E/W
$11/$2.65 (05U/1.5U)
Race 7 – TAB Premiers Cup Prelude – 1800m (3:00pm AEST)
(5) Tazima – 6YO gelding who has strung together three wins on the trot with his most recent win being by 2L. Relishes these conditions and looks to still be on the up. Well weighted for this assignment and his track and distance record is impeccable. Draws a lovely gate and J-Mac gets back into the saddle. Deserves to be favourite. The one to beat.
(6) Matusalem – 6YO Gelding who is the stablemate to the favourite Tazima. First up performance was full of merit, and his closing sectionals were terrific. Fastest 600m and 200m. The rise to 1800m now looks ideal off that run and worth an each way play.
(8) Sam Hawkens – Ex Haggas trained import who was in the market first and second up last time in amongst Group 3 and Listed grade. Has a recent trial win and may surprise here on best form. Blow out hope.
(5) Tazima - WIN
$2.05 (4 Units)
Race 8 – Kia Ora Stud Missile Stakes – 1200m – GROUP 2 (3:40pm AEST)
(1) Angel Capital – highly rated 5YO who was very good last campaign without winning and had a few excuses. First up record is very good with 4 wins from 5 attempts and is proven over this trip. Only concern is the track as he is yet to be placed from three runs here. Trials have been sound leading in and the J-Mac / Waller combo must be respected. Major player.
(2) Ninja – 4YO Gelding who is resuming off a 22 week break and has trialled nicely. Trainer has suggested they will target the Everest with him, but I do prefer him over slightly further. However, no reason he cannot produce a bold run here. Trials have been sound and has proven to be quite the talent. Has to go in.
(7) Gangsta Granny – 5YO mare who resumes here and still looks to have plenty of upside. She has put together several consistent preparations to date, finishing in the top three in all 12 career starts, highlighting both her class and remarkable consistency. While she rises in grade for this assignment, she has already shown she is more than capable of measuring up against this calibre of opposition. Her first-up record is solid, and her recent trial suggested she has returned in excellent order, hitting the line well and looking ready to perform fresh. From the inside draw, Tim Clark should be able to secure a perfect run in transit, giving her every opportunity to produce her best. She handles the expected conditions, maps ideally, and profiles as a horse with further improvement to come this preparation. At the current price, she represents excellent value and looks a nice bet.
(7) Gangsta Granny - WIN
$4.00 (2 Units)
