The Carrington Stakes meeting will be held at Royal Randwick this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Soft 5 on Thursday and with fine and hot weather in Sydney leading up to the weekend, Randwick will be racing on a Good track on raceday.
The combination of Chris Waller and Hugh Bowman will come to the fore with Dabiyr in the PFD Food Services Handicap (Sydney Race 4, 2000m). This 5YO gelding finished a creditable 6th when 1st up over a distance which is short of his best. Dabiyr returned to the winner’s stall when stepping up to 1800m 2nd up under 59.5kg at Randwick two weeks ago. Up to 2000m on Saturday will suit him even better. Dabiyr has proven that he could carry weight so he should have no problem with the 59kg he’s been allotted with. From barrier 5, Bowman will settle mid-field and put the 5YO to sleep along the fence and Dabiyr will be full of running in the straight.
Last start winner Missybeel can continue her winning way in the City Tatts Bushfire Appeal Handicap (Sydney Race 6, 1600m). The Bjorn Baker-trained mare had absolutely annihilated the field last start over a mile at Warwick Farm on 8th January, winning the race by almost 4 lengths leading from start to finish. The 5YO loves 1600m having won 3 times with a further 2 placings over the mile. Nash Rawiller takes over the rein on Saturday and he is likely to go straight to the front from barrier 7. Watch Missybeel runs away from the field once again like what she did last start.
Southern Lad looks the horse to beat in the Carrington Stakes(Sydney Race 7, 1400m). This gelding from the very much in-form John O’Shea stable had won really well last start in a BM 94 handicap over 1200m. The 5YO loves Randwick having only missed out a place once from 7 starts at the venue. Being 5th up on Saturday, Southern Lad will be rock hard fit and is ready to run out a strong 1400m. Drawn nicely in barrier 7 and has been allotted with the limit weight of only 53kg. Brenton Avdulla will settle just behind likely leaders Cradle Mountain and Passage Of Time and Southern Lad will be ready to pounce rounding the home turn.
By Owens Wong, Editor
