Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts

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

SELECTIONS

Randwick Race 2 - 8 Up 'N' Rolling

Former New Zealander appeals as a big improver off his impressive Canterbury win over 1550m when resuming on August 14.

That was just his third Australian start and a clear indication that he has the potential to blossom into yet another handy distance performer for the Chris Waller stable.

Waller has stacked this field with four of the nine acceptors but none hold this gelding’s scope for improvement.

Randwick Race 8 - 6 Ecuador

If Winx is the benchmark it’s hard to go past this versatile performer as the one to beat under these favourable handicap conditions after his fine first-up effort to finish a close third behind the great mare at weight-for-age in the Warwick Stakes.

He’s at his best over 1400m, especially on his home track at Randwick, and should get all the favours as the designated leader in this field.

Randwick Race 9 - 7 Washington Heights

Made as great return to Sydney racing after his stint in Hong Kong when he powered home over the top of his rivals for a soft 1200m win at Rosehill then badly held up and went to the line untested when fourth over 1400m at the same course on August 12.

Ideally placed to make amends dropping back in class and he has the edge in recent racing over his main rivals.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 26 August (Horses to follow at their next three starts)

Awoke - Did too much work under big weight. Forgive run.

Marsupial - Hard to beat against his own age.

Mahalangur - Will make his mark over more ground.

Chauffeur - Always promised to be a good 3YO. Looks on track.

No Doubt - Going well. Ready to step up in distance.

Almandin - Fine return by the Cup winner.

Sunquest - Should drop maiden status in quick time.

Boom Time - Certain to benefit from good first-up effort.

Recent Blackbook winners - Liapari; Hualalai; Lone Eagle; Leodoro; Pakaya Prince; Irish Constabulary; Pick Me Up; Another Bullseye; Suncraze; Fraternater; Kiwia; Chamois Road; Dracarys; Mariquita; Tango Rain; Pariah; Victory Downs.

ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 2/3 September

Randwick (Sat) - Dissolution (R1), Admiral Jello (R2), Muraqaba (R3), Mandalong Kiss (R3), All But Gone (R3), Sarrasin (R7), Life Less Ordinary (R7), Harper’s Choice (R7), McCreery (R8), Maurus (R8), Tom Melbourne (R8) and The Virginian (R8)

Caulfield (Sat) - Smart As You Think (R3), So Si Bon (R6), Tally (R8), Amelie’s Star (R8) and Hardham (R9)

Morphettville (Sat) - Serenely Discreet (R7)

Sunshine Coast (Sun) - Bergerac (R4)

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.