The Australia Day Cup meeting will be held at Randwick this Saturday. The track was rated Dead on Thursday but with forecast of a few showers on Friday, Randwick could end up in the Dead / Slow range on raceday.
Mr Jackman is the best horse in the Australian Turf Club BM75 Handicap (Sydney Race 2, 1300m), however he does have 61kg to contend with. Hence I am leaning towards the Waller-trained Define who is on the limit of 54kg. This up & coming filly finished a good 4th from a long way back over this distance first up, beaten only 2 lengths. With only seven runners on Saturday I cannot see her being too far back. Being by Lonhro and out of a Marscay mare, Define should handle the anticipated wet condition. Define looks a good winning prospect.
In the Studley R/E Advisers BM80 Handicap (Sydney Race 3, 1800m), I like another Waller horse – Hollywood Bound. This 4YO gelding has been racing very consistently having missed a place only once from the last 6 starts. He ran a great 2nd first up over a mile and was only beaten by 1 length. He has 3 placings from 3 starts over 1800m and has a good record on Slow & Heavy track. Currently at $5.00 in the fixed odds market, Hollywood Bound represents good value.
Pheidon could prove hard to catch in the Inglis Bonus BM75 Handicap (Sydney Race 4, 1600m). This Gai Waterhouse-trained 3YO is unbeaten winning both career starts. Adam Hyeronimus had been aboard on both occasions and he’ll retain the ride on Saturday. From barrier 6, Hyeronimus will take Pheidon straight to the front and will run his rivals to the ground.
Nash Rawiller can combine with Gai Waterhouse to win the feature race of the day, the Australia Day Cup (Sydney Race 6, 2400m) . Rawiller will be riding the consistent Travolta who has only missed a place once this preparation, when he was 1st up over an unsuitable distance. Last start in the Tattersalls Club Cup over this track & distance, he was just beaten half a head by Permit. Even fitter now and with Rawiller to take over the rein. Travolta can handle the wet condition and from barrier 2, Rawiller will take Travolta to the front and lead at his own pace. Travolta could prove very hard to run down.
By Owens Wong, Editor
