Group 1 action comes to us from Randwick in Sydney this Saturday, sandwiched in between Group 1 action on Friday and Sunday in Victoria.
Randwick hosts a 9 race card, consisting of three Listed races, one Group 3, two Group 2's and a huge Group 1 triple header headlined by the 2016 Epsom Handicap.
The track is currently rated a Good 4 and while there is a slight chance of some rain, the surface shouldn't be affected much at all.
We've got betting tips for all 9 races and previews for each of the Group 1s!
Randwick Racing Tips
Race 1 - Madame Moustache E/W
Race 2 - Condor Heroes
Race 3 - It's Somewhat
Race 4 - Earth E/W
Race 5 - Capitalist
Race 6 - Awoke
Race 7 - Mackintosh E/W
Race 8 - Who Shot TheBarman
Race 9 - Kaepernick / Good Project E/W
Best Bet: Race 2 Condor Heroes
A race full of relative unknowns but this horse trialled the house down, recording the quickest time of the day when winning by 9 lengths. Will have a bit of work to do from barrier 10 but has the speed to lead. Currently $2.20 and expect it to start odds on.
Best Value: Race 4 Earth
Really poor quality Listed race and this horse can back up his win at Newcastle last start where he sprinted over the top of them. Draws poorly but Bowman jumps on and at $8.50 he appeals as a good each way bet in a shallow race.
SYDNEY AIRPORT FLIGHT STAKES 1600m - Group 1
Yankee Rose fairly well picks herself based on her best form. She only has to reproduce pretty close to what she did in the Golden Rose and she will win this, but at the price I can't back her based on what I've seen from her this prep.
Instead I'd rather back Awoke. Waller has a decent opinion of this filly and rates her up alongside Foxplay, who is the favourite for the Thousand Guineas. Last start she barely got clear at any stage and I think at the price she is worth giving another chance to.
Skylight Glow is a definite chance after a good performance behind Foxplay last start. She will be up on pace and hard to run down, while Sezanne is the other of Waller's fillies and can't be discounted.
Yankee Rose could very well win, but at the prices I'd rather be backing Awoke here.
Tip: Awoke
TAB EPSOM HANDICAP 1600m - Group 1
Narrowed this down to about 6 chances but I think the winner will be one of Hauraki, Happy Clapper, Mackintosh or McCreery.
Hauraki has come back really well this prep, recording a strong win first up before finishing within 1.3 lengths of Winx last start. He's finished 2nd at all three starts when 2nd up and goes well at the track. The Winx formline is the best in this race so if he reproduces that he gives this a real shake.
Happy Clapper always peaks at his third run back from a spell. He only finished a length off the winner last start and he drops in weight here and steps up to 1600m - a recipe that saw him run 2nd to Winx in the Doncaster last prep. Rates very well.
Mackintosh is the runner of interest here at double figure odds. Tommy Berry is a notable jockey booking at 52kg, which tells me they may fancy Mackintosh's chances over that of McCreery's. Strong win first up over a good horse, up to 1600m with a light weight and a good draw. $11 looks good value to me.
McCreery is a leading hope for Waller too. Two strong wins from his past two starts and the 2000m back to 1600m tactic is one that we saw with He's Your Man a couple of years ago. Draws well and with only 51.5kg he rates highly.
Happy to back Mackintosh at the $11 here, but its worth having savers on each of the others at the prices available.
Tip: Mackintosh E/W
MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS METROPOLITAN 2400m
Waller holds a very strong hand here with six runners, and I think three of those stand a good chance of winning this, along with one or two others,
Who Shot TheBarman appeals to me after his last run behind Hartnell over 2000m. He stormed home in arguably the worst part of the track and the step up to 2400m only suits him. Bowman goes on and at this point in his last preparation he ran 2nd in the BMW. Looks a big threat at $6.
Sacred Master has been set for the race and produced a strong win in the Newcastle Cup last start. Drops from 56.6kg to 53kg for this and has won at the distance before. Needs to improve once again but is capable of doing so.
Antonio Giuseppe is the current favourite after notching his fourth win on the trot. He drops from 59kg to 51kg for this but the query is the big step up in grade from benchmark company to Group 1 company.
Others to consider are Magic Hurricane, who won this race last year, Sir John Hawkwood and Allergic.
Open race but happy to take $6 about Who Shot TheBarman.
Tip: Who Shot TheBarman
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
