2. Espiona holds the key to this race. She’s been beaten in three runs this time in, each as favourite, but it would be hard to say she’s run poorly. Gave away too much start in the Surround, running into third, then finished midfield in the Coolmore Classic. The track condition may be crucial; she’d relish something in the soft range. Right back in class, drawn to effect and this is a big chance for her. 5. Party For One is a very promising filly without the profile of an Espiona and she’s going to appreciate getting out to 1400m after a nice effort in the PJ Bell behind Heresy. Would be no surprise if she featured prominently. 6. Comrade Rosa was about half a length behind her in the PJ Bell and is another likely to be looking for a bit more ground. 4. Cap Estel will be up on the speed somewhere and she tried hard at the mile behind Straight Arron and that has to be reasonable form.
How to play it: Espiona to win.
Race 6 – 2.30PM TAB HALL MARK STAKES (1200 METRES)
3. Big Parade has this race tailor-made for him with not a lot of noted pace engaged to keep him busy up on the speed. Looked to have done enough to win The Galaxy first up, only to be ambushed by Shelby Sixtysix near the line. Proved himself close to A Grade last time in and he can only be better for that brave fresh effort. 8. Count De Rupee should be a big improver on what he’s shown in two runs back at group 1 level. Flowed to the line nicely in a trial earlier in the week to show he’s going OK and this is a big chance for him to get back on track. 1. Kementari was swallowing up the winner in his recent trial and he generally performs well fresh. Ran fourth behind Big Parade in the Sydney Stakes at level weights and is 1kg worse off here, but you can’t overlook him. 2. Gem Song seems to go best at Newcastle, as we saw when he won the Star Kingdom.
How to play it: Big Parade to win.
Race 7 – 3.10PM SHARP EXTENSIVE IT JRA PLATE (2000 METRES)
1. Icebath goes around again and this is her first look at 2000m. She’s drawn reasonably well for a change, which is important. Big run in the Doncaster, then probably an even bigger effort in the Queen Of The Turf last week where she was just too far off them. 2. Polly Grey was desperately unlucky not to win the Neville Sellwood at Rosehill three weeks ago. She was caught up behind horses when the winner dashed and she only just failed to catch him. 4. Brutality comes through the Doncaster where he was OK, beaten just under five lengths without threatening. This is probably more his level and distance, and he’s capable of showing up. 7. Marroni led them up in the Sellwood and boxed on to just hold third. That was only his second run back, so he’ll be at his peak now and expect him to race somewhere near the speed again.
How to play it: Icebath to win.
Race 8 – 3.50PM SCHWEPPES ALL AGED STAKES (1400 METRES)
Wide barriers are overplayed when it comes to go-forward horses and, though 8. Forbidden Love has the car park to overcome, she will push towards the front and likely look to slot in behind the likes of In The Congo and Ellsberg. Just didn’t get the strong mile in the Doncaster, but was dominant winning the Guy Walter, Canterbury and George Ryder on wet tracks. Just needs that good early steer and she’s still the horse to beat. 14. In The Congo was just outpointed by the progressive Mazu last week and he’ll be much better for it. 1. Mo’unga has been treading water for a while since his second in the Futurity in Melbourne in late February. 6. Laws Of Indices could be a big improver if we can get back into the soft range.
How to play it: Forbidden Love to win.
Race 9 – 4.30PM SILVERDALE FARM HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
8. Kirwan’s Lane is a very good each-way chance first up from a spell on the back of a super trial. While his fresh record doesn’t read well, he was unlucky in the Goulburn Cup fresh last time in and he should be hitting the line. 4. Mali Ston is a huge query, bringing group 1 form from New Zealand. He was a group 2 winner two starts back, then not disgraced in the Thorndon Mile, running third behind The Chosen One. 16. Huetor was a revelation in his first Australian campaign, winning all three starts, and showed he’s on track to resume with a trial win recently. Yet to see him on a wet track in Australia, but hard to fault anything he’s done so far. 11. Art Cadeau made an encouraging return in the Star Kingdom at Newcastle and it will be interesting to see if he can lift from that.
How to play it: Kirwan’s Lane each way.
Race 10 – 5.05PM CATANACH’S HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
9. April Rain is a talented mare on her day and does fire when fresh. Bumped into a smart one first up last time in, then disappointed a little in two runs in Melbourne. She looked on track, breezing home just behind them in a strong trial a few weeks ago. There looks to be good speed here and she’ll get her chance to put herself into the race at the right time. 6. Maotai has to be considered a big danger if he can control himself in the lead. He did just that first up a couple of months back, but not so well in the Star Kingdom. 11. Samoot was awesome winning first up on a heavy track at Canterbury. 4. Katalin can be a bit hit and miss, but a drying track would be an advantage.
How to play it: April Rain each way.
Race-by-race preview and tips for Randwick on Saturday
Source: Philippines Alive
