Early thoughts for Epsom Day at Randwick and Blackbook Update with eligible horses engaged on September 4 and 5.
RANDWICK SATURDAY
RACE 5 (7) RISING ROMANCE: Classy Oaks winner is primed to recapture her autumn form after starting her spring campaign with two excellent conditioning efforts over 1400m and 1600m in stronger Group fields. Should find the step to 2000m ideal at this stage of her build up to the Caulfield Cup against with the advantage of the mares allowance under the wfa scale. Short odds after scratching but makes a strong anchor for multi bets.
RACE 7 (6) HE’S YOUR MAN: I’ve always had a liking for horses contesting the big Randwick miles after strong lead-up performance in longer races and he fits the bill perfectly, coming into the Epsom off a dominant win in the G3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill where he comfortably gave 2.5kg and a beating to subsequent Group winner Deane Martin to continue the excellent progression he has made in his four starts this campaign. Set to reach a new peak with a 4kg weight drop off that win as he possesses the necessary turn of foot to expose his higher weighted rivals.
RACE 9 (10) KINGDOMS: This genuine Queensland-trained stayer has had the Metropolitan as his target for some time and his astute trainer Brian Smith looks to have timed his preparation to perfection. His final lead-up was a fine trial as he worked through the line from last for an impressive second to He’s Your Man in the G2 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on September 13 and is favourable weighted meeting the subsequent G3 Colin Stephen Quality winner Deane Martin on 1.5kg better terms from that race. He is certain to relish the step up to 2400m at Randwick, noting that he built a strong record over this course and distance including an Australian Derby placing when he was previously trained in Sydney.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE
Blackbook horses to follow from last weekend’s meetings. Recommend that selected horse be followed at their next three starts:-
GRAND MARSHAL: More improvement to come off his Rosehill placing. 2400m will suit.
AMOVATIO: Left it too late at first run for seven weeks. Suited up to 1600m.
GHOST PROTOCOL: Eye catching comeback. Has the talent if he stands up.
TONOPAH: Nice effort off a break at Warwick Farm. Good staying prospect.
WANDJINA: Unlucky to miss a place in the Guineas Prelude. Doing well in Melbourne.
Eligible Blackbook horses engaged on October 4/5:-
RANDWICK: Brazen Beau (Race 4); Boban (Race 7); Toydini (Race 7); Spillway (Race 9);
FLEMINGTON: Spillway (Race 3); Wandjina (Race 4); Happy Trails (Race 7); The Offer (Race 7); Lucia Valentina (Race 7); Lady Cumquat (Race 8); Lucky Hussler (Race 9); Ryker (Race 9)
MORPHETTVILLE: Baligari (Race 6)
BENALLA SUNDAY: Jacquinot Bay (Race 7)
BAIRNSDALE SUNDAY: Pinstripe Lane (Race 7)
