The Epsom Handicap meeting will be held at Royal Randwick this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Soft 5 on Thursday and with light drizzle in Sydney leading up to the weekend, Randwick is likely to border on Good/Soft condition on raceday.
Gem Song is the highest rated horse in the Dulcify Quality and he certainly looks the horse to beat (Sydney Race 3, 1600m). This 3YO colt is a winner having won 3 of his 4 career starts. Last start at Rosehill, Gem Song came from second last to sprint home strongly to nose out Royal Celebration for a smart win. The in-form Jason Collett will once again be on board and 3rd up over the mile looks perfect. From barrier 8, Collett will take the colt back in the field to let his find his feet. With pretty good pace up front, Gem Song can get into a nice rhythm and utilize his good turn-of-foot to overpower this field.
Reigning ‘The Everest’ champion Redzel can continue his winning way by taking out the Premiere Stakes on Saturday (Sydney Race 5, 1200m). The 6YO missed a run in The Shorts two weeks ago due to muscle soreness but according to the Snowden stable, Redzel is 100% now. Redzel is pretty much fool proof as he goes forward and makes his own luck and he can handle any track conditions. He also loves Randwick as he only missed a place once from 11 starts with 7 wins and 3 placings at the venue. From the rails draw (1), Kerrin McEvoy can go to the front and share the lead with Invincible Star. Redzel will prove to strong in the finish and confirm he is on track to defend his ‘The Everest’ crown.
The time honoured Epsom Handicap is usually a very open race and this year is no exception (Sydney Race 7, 1600m). Chris Waller seems to have timed D’Argento’s campaign to perfection and the grey is ready to peak 3rd up over the mile on Saturday. The 4YO resumed with a brilliant 3rd behind the best race horse in the world, Winx, and there’s no better form than the Winx’s form. And last start when 2nd up in the Theo Marks Stakes, D’Argento fought on strongly for 2nd on a Heavy 8 track. With two hard fought runs, he is ready for the tough Randwick mile in the Epsom. Nicely drawn in barrier 1, James McDonald will settle somewhere mid-field on the fence. With a cushy run in transit, D’Argento is ready to explode in the run home.
By Owens Wong, Editor
