Randwick has some good race this week, but with the heavy ten track and the huge amounts of scratchings that will no doubt come out, it is probably best to look at the Group and listed action at Doomben.
Race 4. Glenlogan Park Stakes over 1350m.
4th. More Strawberries. A former gun filly that was terrible first up but is too good at her best to be left out especially at the 30/1.
3rd. Gai’s Choice. This get back and run on mare was brilliant during the winter last year in Queensland. She was no good in Melbourne over the spring and has been less than impressive since returning from a spell. But the mare has a great turn of foot and she can win from just about anywhere at her best.
2nd. Arinosa. This mare was one of the stars of the Sydney autumn carnival. She could have potentially stretched Pierro in the Canterbury Stakes or All Too Hard in the All Aged Stakes. Yet, the Waller camp decided to give her a let up in preparation for this race and no doubt the Stradbroke where she will get in not far from the minimum.
1st. Risk Aversion. This mare is so talented. She is another who gets back and runs on and that hopefully will be possible on Saturday. Arinosa is at even money while Risk Aversion is at $10. Their talent is very similar.
Race 5. The Sires’
4th. One Grey. 100/1 but has been very good in two starts to date.
3rd. Octane Flyer. Average last start but great before that. $31 shows that we can have $1 each way and get a good result with a little bit of luck.
2nd. Zoustar. This colt is supremely well bred and managed to get past one of Gai’s that she really rates at its last start. Definitely the horse to beat.
1st. Missy Longstocking. She won by three inches last week as the $1.50 favourite. Those who took the shorts were heading for the bar with 50m to run, but she showed tenacity and got up. She is fit and talented and a really great chance.
Race 6. The Chief De Beers Handicap
4th. Metallurgical. This now gelding was one of the most expensive colts ever purchased in a sale in Australia. He needs to win this and about five more good race to pay his connections back their investment. He is ok at his best and there are no champions in this race.
3rd. Pentasia. This Sydney-sider was a revelation in Sydney at her last preparation. She will be very competitive in this race.
2nd. Excellantes. A front running gelding by Brisbane champion Falvelon who was only just beaten at his last start. He was also only just pipped at 70/1 on Melbourne Cup day down the Flemington straight. On that form he will be hard to get past on Saturday.
1st. Karuta Queen. The beautiful mare is coming back in distance to 1100m from the 1200m. This is her best distance by far. As long as she and Excellantes do not rip each other apart during the start of the race, she will go very close. She looks one of the best bets of the day.
Race 7. Grand Prix Stakes
4th. Arousing Suspicion. This gelding beat Electric Fusion last month. Two days ago at Sandown with 60kg, Electric Fusion ran on like Bernborough to just miss winning despite turning in the fastest last 200m of the race. That is strong form.
3rd. Hawkspur. Won two weeks ago after leading on the heavy and leader bias track. He was still very impressive and on that win he is right in this.
2nd. Dear Demi. Super win last week and the deserved favourite and the clear hardest to beat.
1st. Hippopus. There is something about this boy. He failed last week in the WFA Doomben Cup but against his own age, in the past he has been breathtaking. He can lead or take a sit and he’s very fit and very ready.
Good luck to everyone. Hopefully the track remains dry and they can win from anywhere.
By Zeb Armstrong
