It’s another Wednesday which means we have good metro racing in Sydney. Randwick-Kensington will host a strong seven race card with a few smart horses returning to the track. There’s been a bit of rain around on Tuesday so expect we are probably racing on a wet surface with a chance to improve through the day.
As usual, Billy Bestford has had a look at the meeting and has found his best bets for the day.
Randwick-Kensington Tips: Wednesday August 24th
Race 1
The well-related (2) Great Barrier Reef returns to the track today and has looked sharp in a couple of recent trials. This horse started $1,90 on debut in the Cannonbury finishing behind a few smart horses, including Golden Slipper runner-up Best Of Bordeaux. Have to respect that SP profile and Jmac takes the ride here today. Will probably have to get back from the gate but should be letting down strongly.
(4) Scorch has looked good at the trials and draws well here for Pikey. Will probably sit just off the speed and maps for a nice run. Looks to have plenty of ability and this is a very winnable race on debut.
(5) Silvanito was last seen at Caulfield in a strong 2yo race. The form out of that has been good and this is much easier. Three recent trials have all been impressive.
(8) Surf On Turf will find himself up in the lead and is usually an advantageous place to be here on the Kenso track.
(2) Great Barrier Reef
$5.50 (1 unit)
Race 2
Pretty keen on (2) Zou Tiger who resumes today. Both runs in debut campaign were full of merit, finishing 2nd on both occasions. The two horses who beat him have proved handy enough and I’m hoping the track is drying out by this stage. His two career runs were both on heavy and I think we can see the best of him on top of the ground.
(5) Nobel looks a big price on first look. Was tested in some very good races to begin his career and looks better placed back in maiden grade. Was a good run fresh and should strip fitter for that. Think he can run a race at a big EW price.
(1) Warby is another who drops back to maiden grade after contesting some very hot 2yo races. Ran 2nd on debut to Queen Of The Ball before contesting the Golden Slipper. Trust the stable to have him ready to go fresh.
(7) The Englishman debuts off the back of four trials. The two most recent ones were earlier this month and he looked good there. Might be too good for these.
(3) Rakomelo would be next best.
Value: (5) Nobel - $61/$11 (0.25 units EW)
(2) Zou Tiger
$2.60 (2.5 units)
Race 5
Want to have something on (9) Turning who is a good 2nd up horse. The first up run was good but was doing best work late there and looks a nice setup rising in trip. If we are on anything better than a heavy I think that also works in his favour. Expect Nash to be positive from the gate and will get the best out of him.
(3) Devil’s Throat is a smart horse and ran very well first up last prep. Has plenty of experience at the track, finishing 2nd three times from five runs here. Just think he may get better with a couple of runs under the belt.
(4) Ceasefire will enjoy dropping in the weights here off the back of a good 2nd. That was his first run fro six week and you would expect plenty of improvement now. Back up to 1250m will suit.
(13) Strombus next best.
(9) Turning
$9.00 (0.5 unit)
Race 6
(5) Marchioness drops in grade for this and was actually very well backed in the market last start. He ended up finishing less than 2L from them and should be ready to peak 3rd up from a spell. Up to 1400m looks a big tick, having missed the quinella just once from four attempts at this trip.
(8) Coodarady looks one of the few leaders in the field and expect they are very positive from the wide gate. He was just found wanting first up and there were some excuses given post-race. Think he is open to improvement now and could just get it all his own way up top.
(10) Arnold looked super impressive winning first up and the form behind him has stacked up. Think he looks a horse on the rise and can improve with that performance under his belt. The only query will be how far back he gets from that barrier. With even luck I think he should be taking care of these but he looks short enough in the market.
(11) Communist is lightly raced and is looking for a third straight win. Winning form is good form and doubt we have seen the best of him just yet.
(9) Owen County has to come into the numbers if we are on a heavy surface.
Also Backing: (8) Coodarady - $11 (0.5 unit)
(5) Marchioness
$13 (0.5 unit)
