Rain Affair looks to find an ideal starting point for his spring campaign when resuming in the Group 3 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Joe Pride-trained sprinter resumes off an autumn campaign where measured up well enough against the likes of Pierro, Black Caviar and All Too Hard.
Rain Affair’s narrow second behind All Too Hard in particular was full of merit and those sort of performances auger well for his chances resuming in the Group 3 Missile Stakes (1200m).
The son of Commands resumes in a race certainly lacking the depth of what he has been contesting and on weight adjusted ratings, possess the highest Timeform figure of this field from the past 12 months by some way.
Rain Affair looked sharp during an 800m trial win earlier in the month and appears perfectly suited in the contest.
The six-year-old will no doubt relish the rain affected ground and his claims of an overdue victory appear stronger when looking at excellent first up, track and distance credentials.
No jockey in Australia is enjoying better form at present than Nash Rawiller who is reunited with Rain Affair nearly three years after winning aboard the gelding during his debut in a Canterbury midweeker way back in October 2010.
For Rain Affair, Saturday’s Group 3 Missile Stakes (1200m) should be as simple as cruising to the front and leading throughout.
His rivals, even main ones such as Mic Mac and Hay List certainly possess some convictions and while short at $1.80, Rain Affair looks one you can count on at Randwick.
While not a fashionable sort, Bay Window might be worth supporting at his double figure quote.
Bay Window has placed in his past two outings, the latest when a narrow second behind The Great Snowman over 1500m.
The Nothin’ Leica Dane gelding was brave in defeat and a case can be made for him going one better at Randwick on Saturday in the Tab.com.au Benchmark 85 Handicap (1400m).
Dropping back to seven furlongs looks ideal and should be suited with the rail out 5m.
Proven at both the course and distance, Bay Window is a noted wet tracker having recorded four wins and as many minor placings from 12 starts on rain affected ground.
Nash Rawiller will go to the front aboard Bay Window and if given a soft lead the veteran can keep rolling right to the line.
At his current double figure quote, Bay Window is certainly worth considering as a genuine each way hope.
Lilliburlero returns to Sydney off a short break on Saturday and has been installed as favourite for the Sportsyear Benchmark 85 Fillies and Mares Handicap (1200m).
The David Payne-trained galloper held her own during a three start preparation in the Sunshine State over the Queensland Winter Carnival.
Whilst not claiming any black type, a 1.9 length fifth in the Fred Best Classic (1350m) behind Platinum Kingdom was very good and has her rating well clear in this field on 12 month Timeform figures.
A case can be made however for her current $2.40 being too short.
Lilliburlero has her first start as an older horse in the third event at Randwick on Saturday, one of a number of firsts for the daughter of Redoute’s Choice this weekend.
The lightly raced four-year-old has not raced over a trip shorter than 1350m and is also untested on heavy going.
She resumes in some testing conditions against more seasoned mares further into their campaigns who boast race fitness over the anticipated favourite.
While not questioning her class and promise, at this point there are too many queries about Lilliburlero on Saturday to justify taking $2.40.
Sydney Specials
BANKER: Race 5 #2 RAIN AFFAIR @ $1.80
BET OF THE DAY: Race 8 #3 BAY WINDOW @ $11
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 3 #5 LILLIBURLERO @ $2.40
