Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts

R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.

SELECTIONS

Randwick Race 5 - 3 Secret Trail

Reeled off impressive sectionals at her first start for four months when finishing strongly for fourth over 1100m at Rosehill on November 25.

She’s obviously come back in good form and it’s easy to conclude she will make good progress off that run in view of her excellent record of three wins and two placings when racing second up.

Sure to play a big hand under these favourable conditions from a soft draw with the benefit of a 2kg claim for the strong apprentice Lee Magorrian.

Randwick Race 6 - 10 Valentino Rossa

Has improved steadily in his four starts since resuming and makes strong each-way appeal after finding the line late on a hot leaders track for a luckless third in the Goulburn Cup over this distance at his latest start on November 26.

Boasts a strong 1600m record and counting on a strong early pace to break them up early and help him overcome his awkward barrier draw.

Randwick Race 8 - 7 Calanda

Ramornie Handicap winner is back home and ready to win after racing in strong company in Melbourne and Brisbane in his three starts since resuming without much going his way.

He is a winner of his only start at Randwick and should be at his peak after being nosed out in the G3 George Moore Stakes over 1200m at Doomben December 2 when he just failed to run down the leader.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 9 December (Horses to follow at their next three starts)

Divine Unicorn - Not disgraced after tough run. Plenty of improvement in him.

Miss Ballantine - Another strong placing from a mare looking for more ground.

Flow - Can’t condemn on this defeat after engaging in early speed duel.

Lanciato - Surged home to just miss. Probably wins with a clear run.

Torpenhow - Eye catching first-up effort. Looks set for a good prep.

Willi Willi - Can be placed to advantage after excellent first-up placing.

Khartoum - Must have a future after Pakenham Cup placing. Eligible for Class 1 races!

Recent Blackbook winners - Urban Ruler; Dia De Reyes; Shillelagh; Inspired Estelle; Jorda; Machinegun Jubs; Glenall; Payroll; Miss Dubois; Dreamforce; Imperial Aviator; Realing.

ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 16 December

Caloundra (Fri) - Invincible Express (R4)

Randwick (Sat) - Calculated (R1), Awesome Pluck (R1), Under The Thumb (R2), Prince Cheri (R3), Secret Trail (R5), Vaucluse Bay (R6), Mister Sea Wolf (R7), Zestful (R8), Level Eight (R9) and Savvan (R9)

Caulfield (Sat) - Mactier (R3) and Thelburg (R7)

Doomben (Sat) - Cellargirl (R7) and Snoopy (R8)

Te Rapa (Sat) - Lizzie L’Amour (R6)

Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.