This Saturday’s Sydney racing will be held at Royal Randwick. The course proper was rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday and with fine weather in Sydney leading up to the weekend, Randwick will be racing on a Soft track on raceday.
Chris Waller and James McDonald can combine with Hulk to take out the Grunt Standing At Yulong Handicap (Sydney Race 3, 1100m). This 3YO gelding has only one career victory but do have 9 placings from 15 starts. Hulk has conditions to suit to add to his winning tally on Saturday. Hulk can handle the Soft track and dropping back to 1100m will be beneficial as his sole victory was from a 1100m race. Nicely drawn in barrier 6 and McDonald can park just behind the leading bunch. Currently at $9.50 at fixed odds, Hulk represents a value bet.
The very consistent Mr Dependable looks the horse to beat in the Quincy Seltzer Handicap (Sydney Race 4, 1800m). This Reliable Man gelding can handle any track conditions and has a good record at Randwick (never missed a place from 3 starts at the venue). The 4YO is slowly working his way up to a suitable distance and Tim Clark knows the horse well. Beautifully drawn in barrier 4, Clark will go straight to the lead to dictate terms and Mr Dependable could prove hard to catch.
Top weight Outback Diva is the highest rated horse in the Sky Racing Active Handicap and she should run accordingly (Sydney Race 7, 1400m). The 4YO mare is a last start winner over 1200m on a Heavy 9 track at Rosehill three weeks ago. Stepping up to 1400m 3rd up should be ideal. The in-form apprentice Louise Day will be on board and with her 3kg claim, Outback Diva will only be carrying 56.5kg. Louise Day will settle behind mid-field and Outback Diva is going to run over the top of this field down the long Randwick straight.
By Owens Wong, Editor
