The Young Professional In Racing (YPR) raceday will be held at Randwick on Saturday. Fine and sunny in Sydney. Randwick was rated a Slow 6 on Thursday and I expect the track will improve to the Dead range on raceday.
Caulfield was rated a Slow 6 on Thursday and with possible showers forecast, I expect they will be racing on a Slow/Dead surface on raceday.
In the opening event at Randwick (Sydney Race 1, 1300m), Nash Rawiller can take the lead in the jockey’s premiership as he’s riding the favourite Watabout. This Alan Denham-trained filly has won her past two starts with the latest an impressive 3 length victory over 1250m. From barrier 5, Rawiller will just sit behind the leaders and bide his time until he enters the straight. From there, Watabout should prove too good for her oppositions.
In the Win More With Bobs Hcp (Sydney Race 2, 1600m), the top weight Arabian Gold looks the class horse in this race. She has won well in her past 2 starts running good time. Stepping up to 1600m 4th up looks ideal. From barrier 10 (after scratching) and with only moderate pace in the race, I expect Peter Robl to click Arabian Gold up to sit around 4th one off the fence. If she can get cover from that position, I expect her to be too strong in the run home.
In the Trainer Connections BM79 (Sydney Race 3, 1400m), the 3YO filly Gullible has been racing consistently on unsuitable wet tracks this preparation. Gullible has been up a long time but Chris Waller has reported that she has done particularly well in the past week. The drying track on Saturday will suit her better. With the anticipate fast pace, Hugh Bowman will be able to balance her behind mid-field and run home strongly. Currently at $5.50, Gullible represents a good value bet.
In the Sinclair Hyundai Supports YRP BM85 Hcp (Sydney Race 7, 2400m), the favourite Madam Nash is stepping up in class and distance. She is attempting 2400m the first time, and she would have to lead all the way under 59kg as she has to give weight to the male. That could make her vulnerable in the last 200m. I like the Peter Snowden-trained Yulalona. The 5YO has progressively stepping up in distance this prepartion. A good 2nd last start in the Grafton Cup over this distance, he was charging home and only just missed Mr O’Ceirin by a whisker. Yulalona has a good record at Randwick, at the distance and on Dead track. Currently at $10.00 fixed odds, I believe Yulalona is over the odds and represents tremendous value.
By Owens Wong, Editor
