From Jason Coyle
Horse: Valentino Rossa
Message: (Saturday, Randwick Race 5, La Boheme Pinot Noir Rose Hcp) The gelding split Exoteric and Social Element in the 2000m Port Macquarie Cup and that pair ran one-two at Randwick last week. Valentino Rossa is consistent, he probably does need everything to go his way, a couple of things didn’t pan out for him at Port Macquarie but he ran well. Valentino Rossa is carrying just 52kg on Saturday.
Horse: Kawaikini
Message: (Saturday, Randwick Race 9, Spring Racing Hcp) She’s been very well placed 1st up in the past, with unbeaten fresh record winning 3 from 3 at Nowra. It’s a big difference resuming in country grade compared to straight to Saturday metropolitan grade. But she probably earned her stripes last preparation, she ran against some pretty handy horses and ran very well. She has 2 trials in preparation for her retune to racing, and she is forward enough to run well.
From Chris Waller
Horse: Who Shot Thebarman
Message: (Saturday, Mooney Valley Race 8, Mooney Valley Gold Cup) He gets back on a good track on Saturday and up to a more suitable distance so from barrier 7, it should see him settle midfield. His fitness levels seem fine and he has arrived safely and settled back into Flemington without any issues. It is a stronger race than what he won last year but nonetheless it is a good yard stick as to where he might be heading beyond Saturday.
Horse: Egg Tart
Message: (Saturday, Mooney Valley Race 8, Mooney Valley Gold Cup) A little disappointed with her last 2 runs, she has been in the right races but hasn’t quite let down. Still a bit mindful that she hasn’t attacked the line which is not ideal for a horse stepping up to 2500m. She is well, her work has been good and from the good draw she could get a soft run but there is still a question mark over her staying ability.
Horse: Libran
Message: (Saturday, Mooney Valley Race 8, Mooney Valley Gold Cup) He has been very good this preparation. He had no luck at all in the Metropolitan but prior to that his runs were very good. He has been plagued by bad draws but he finally has a good gate on Saturday. and Hugh Bowman will utilise it to see him settle a lot closer, hopefully midfield will be as far back as he will be and therefore he will get a nice run. There looks to be good speed with horses like Trap For Fools and The Taj Mahal in it which should be set up nicely for a horse like Libran who is in good form and is ready to break through for a win. He was placed in this race behind Who Shot Thebarman last year.
Horse: D’Argento
Message: (Saturday, Mooney Valley Race 9, Cox Plate) He comes into this race with the right form lines but he had no luck last start when he ended up getting back in the field. He struggled a little with Caulfield so if he goes around Mooney Valley well and with a bit more give in the track, he can improve. He went to Mooney Valley on Tuesday morning where he got around the track very well. From barrier 2, he should be able to utilise the gate and be a lot closer and he is a top 5 chance.
Horse: Winx
Message: (Saturday, Mooney Valley Race 9, Cox Plate) She is as well as we can get her and the preparation has gone very well. Obviously we are getting towards the eve of this big race and in comparison to last year she is basically in the same condition. She broke the track record on that occasion but full credit to humidor as he made a race of it. Expect her to run very well and it will take a very good horse to beat her. Obviously you always need to respect luck in running, you need to respect your competitors but overall there are so many positives in her favour.
From Ron Quinton
Horse: Royal Celebration
Message: (Saturday, Randwick Race 1, 2019 Membership Hcp) This 3YO finished a length behind crack colt The Autumn Sun last preparation, who has gone on to win 2 Group 1 races. He also chased home Victorian Yulong January at his latest start with that horse running a narrow second in the Gothic Stakes last time out. His runs have been very good and consistent, but unfortunately he’s run into a couple of good horses. And out of the race he won at Warwick Farm, there have been five winners so it would be good to see him get another one. He’s done plenty of work and he’ll be hard to beat.
From Kris Lees
Horse: Evalina
Message: (Saturday, Randwick Race 1, 2019 Membership Hcp) The I Am Invincible filly was responsible for an outstanding performance on a Heavy 9 track at Randwick two weeks ago when narrowly beaten in the Listed Reginald Allen Quality. Her Randwick run was huge, and she has trained on strongly since. She is against the boys this time, but expect her to run well all the same.
Horse: Just Dreaming
Message: (Saturday, Randwick Race 4, Robrick Lodge Filante Hcp) The stable is banking on Just Dreaming’s near flawless 2nd up record lifting her back into winning form at Royal Randwick on Saturday. From four 2nd up appearances, the 5YO mare has won three times and finished a close second. Just Dreaming is coming up well this preparation, and goes to the races on Saturday ready to win.
Horse: Powerline
Message: (Saturday, Randwick Race 9, Spring Racing Hcp) Powerline finished off okay last time when 4th at Doomben (on September 29) and handles soft conditions. From an inside draw, he can be competitive.
From The Editor
Melbourne Race 2 – Guard Of Honour
Melbourne Race 8 – Egg Tart
Melbourne Race 9 – Winx
