ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 9 # 4 – Aristonous
Keen on the five-year-old import whose return run at this track a few weeks ago was full of merit. The gelding was entering his second Australian campaign, wasn't suited to the sit/sprint race shape and had to make a long sustained sprint. Further, he had nothing to bring him into the race and had to exert all his energy between the 600m-200m section but kept trying to the line. He profiles well for this upcoming event, where he can settle closer from the inside draw, and all key indicators suggest he can only step off that first-up performance. In addition, he has multiple winning ratings and will relish the rise to 1800m.
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST VALUE: Race 8 # 9 – Perfect Thought
He represents value and expecting him to improve sharply second-up over more ground. The four-year-old had excuses throughout transit, wasn't suited to the pace of the race and was building momentum before being checked/blocked at a critical stage. Further, to his credit, he picked himself up and closed off well. The rise to 1400m is ideal, and jockey Craig Williamson makes the trip up to ride. Additionally, he has strong form lines for this event and can rate to win.
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 3 # 4 – Sharp Shock
Both of his past two runs have had sectional merit, and he ran on well last start from an impossible position. The four-year-old was back in distance and got into an awkward spot after getting too far back. Moreover, he flashed home into second, beating the rest easily, and Punter's Intelligence recorded he ran the race clear fastest final 200m sectional in 12.03. He finds a very winnable highway; the rise back in distance is ideal, and with even luck, expect him to show his late strength, making him hold out.
TAMWORTH (SUNDAY) – COUNTRY PICK: Race 2 # 5 – Arrabbiata
She can make it back-to-back wins here after running time last start and producing a career peak figure at Armidale. The mare showed natural speed, led them up at a genuine tempo and kept responding under pressure to score. She returns to her home track, is rock-hard fit and maps to control the pace of the race. In addition, Mikayla Weir has ridden her five times for two wins and two seconds. Each-way.
