It’s Warwick Stakes day at Royal Randwick this Saturday. The course proper was rated a Good 4 and with fine weather forecast for the next couple of days, Randwick will be racing on a Good track on raceday.
The promising Sebring Sun can take out the Up and Coming Stakes with champion jockey Hugh Bowman on board (Sydney Race 1, 1300m). The Gary Portelli-trained 3YO has been unbeaten this preparation winning 2 from 2 over 1200m. Stepping up to 1300m 3rd up would be perfect for the colt and from barrier 5, Bowman will give Sebring Sun a lovely run mid-field with cover. Sebring Sun will finish strongly in the straight.
In-form jockey Blake Shinn will be riding Fell Swoop to victory in the TAB Rewards Handicap (Sydney Race 3, 1000m). Fell Swoop finished a very unlucky fourth behind Darciwood first-up before he made amend with a very impressive performance winning over 1100m at Rosehill three weeks ago. The 4YO loves the 1000m winning 3 times and a 2nd from 5 attempts over the trip. Trainer Matthew Dale has commented that Fell Swoop ‘has black-type ability’ and that the gelding is ‘progressing nicely’. From the lovely gate (barrier 2), I believe Shinn will take Fell Swoop straight to the lead and he’ll try to run them ragged.
The Silver Shadow Stakes will see the clash between two in-form fillies – Lake Geneva & Kimberley Star (Sydney Race 4, 1200m). I am leaning slightly towards the Waterhouse-trained Kimberley Star. The Star Witness filly has won her last 3 starts and she should have the fitness edge over the 2nd up Lake Geneva. Kimberley Star drops back to 1200m on Saturday after a three week break which looks ideal. Comes Saturday, Kimberley Star will prove she is more than just a wet tracker by taking out the Silver Shadow Stakes on a Good track.
There are a host of Spring aspirants resuming in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes and that makes the race an intriguing contest (Sydney Race 6, 1400m). I am opting for race fitness for this 1400m event, hence I am tipping Burbero to continue his winning streak. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding finished a good 2nd first up on a Heavy track before being victorious in the Missile Stakes last start. Stepping up to 1400m 3rd up will be ideal. Rory Hutchings rode a beauty on the 7YO in the Missile Stakes and he’ll retain the mount on Saturday. The long and spacious straight at Randwick suits Burbero as he’ll be steaming home from the back of the field. Currently, Burbero is at $9.00 fixed odds and that makes him a value bet.
By Owens Wong, Editor
