The All Aged Stakes meeting will be held at Royal Randwick this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Soft 5 on Thursday and with possible light showers over the next couple of days, Randwick is likely to be racing on the good side of a Soft track..
Trainer Ron Quinton can combine with apprentice Koby Jennings to takeout the opening race at Randwick on Saturday (Sydney Race 1, 1200m). The Quinton-trained Boss Lane raced against Deep Field 1st up & the 4YO wasn’t disgraced finishing only 4.2 length behind the winner. Last start over 1400m proved the distance was a little too far as the gelding weakened in the last furlong. Back to 1200m on Saturday suits and Boss Lane has won 3 times over this track & trip from 5 attempts. And with Jennings’ claim, Boss Lane will only be carrying 56.5kg. Currently, Boss Lane is way over the odds at $21.00 in the fixed odds market.
The Chris Waller juggernaut will continue on Saturday with Wine Tales being primed to take out the Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (Sydney Race 2, 2000). The 3YO filly has been disadvantaged by the wet track this preparation and back to firmer footing on Saturday will suit her better and champion jockey Tommy Berry will take over the rein. Wine Tales has been racing competitively against First Seal and Slightly Sweet this preparation and she will make her presence felt in the Frank Packer Plate.
Scone trainer Rodney Northam has got Odyssey Moon ready to peak in Saturday’s Champagne Stakes (Sydney Race 4, 1600m). The Snitzel colt was charging home in the Golden Slipper beaten only 2.2 lengths by Vancouver. And once again he was charging home in the Sires Produce and has beaten all but the Blue Diamond winner Pride of Dubai. It looks as though the 1600m will suit Odyssey Moon perfectly. Damien Oliver has retained the ride and from barrier 5, Odyssey Moon will settle just behind the pace and he’ll be too strong at the finish.
Chautauqua won the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) brilliantly but I believe the extra distance in the All Aged Stakes will play into the hands of Terravista (Sydney Race 6, 1400m). The Joe Pride-trained 5YO was a bit unlucky in the TJ Smith last start being forced to cover extra ground & was one of the deepest around the home turn. Terravista quickened well in the straight & was strong to the line. The 1400m looks well suited and he absolutely loves Randwick having won 4 times and placed once from 5 starts at the venue. He’ll get a better run in transit having drawn barrier 2 in the All Aged. Currently Terravista is $5.50 at fixed odds and he’s a good value bet.
By Owens Wong, Editor
