Early mail and Blackbook Update for racing on January 20.

RANDWICK SATURDAY

RACE 2 (5) PARET: Raw talent returns for his second prep after just three starts in the spring when he showed abundant promise to win on debut before his lack of experience cost him dearly in two subsequent starts at Rosehill and Flemington. While he has bigger things ahead I am happy to gamble on him making an impact in this event after a soft trial third at Rosehill when he looked a lot more focused than in his early starts. Anticipating that he will sit off a fast pace and finish hard.

RACE 6 (5) XEBEC: Chris Waller clouds the issue with his usual big numbers for this 2000m event but if things go right this should be the race for this US-bred import to record his first win in Australia. It’s due as he has been right of luck in his last two starts over 1600m and 1800m at this course where his finishing efforts left no doubt that he is crying out to get to this trip. He’s still on the up and the big riding change to Hugh Bowman seals the deal.

RACE 7 (5) FLOW: Set to peak at his fourth run since resuming with the return to 1400m a big factor in his favour after he was checked and outsprinted to the line over 1200m at this course on December 30 when a creditable third behind the quality pair Brave Song and Crafty Cop. That came after two excellent 1400m runs in strong form races and with Bowman on board he makes a lot of appeal with his stablemate Malaise scratched to run in Melbourne.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE

Eligible Blackbook Runners – January 19/20

RANDWICK SATURDAY: Paret (R2); Xebec (R6); Level Eight (R7); Flow 9R7); Top Striker (R8); Faraway Town (R8)

FLEMINGTON SATURDAY: Willi Willi (R1); Handsome Thief (R6); King River (R6); Bravo Tango (R7)

BLACKBOOKERS - Horses to follow at next three starts. Selected January 13

EPIC RANT: Hard to beat in an easier maiden.

FIT FOR PURPOSE: Suited up to 1600m in his right class.

MY COUNTRY: Watch out for her back in Sydney.

FULLAZABOOT: Stood out behind a brilliant winner.

ROMAN TYPHOON: Will be well placed midweek.

REACH FOR HEAVEN: Hard to work hard first-up. Follow.

RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Machinegun Jubs; Glenall; Payroll; Miss Dubois; Dreamforce; Imperial Aviator; Realing; Lizzie L’Amour; Zestful; Sultan Of Swing; Prince Cheri; Lanciato; Feelin The Love; Lilith; Calanda; Ken’s Dream; Invincibella.