An outstanding field of sprint milers are engaged in this year's All Aged Stakes. Suspect a few of these arrive here as an after thought, where it was not the initial target this prep. Historically it pays to bet against those horses and as such, punters may be rewarded for selecting runners who appear to have been specifically targeting this race from the onset. Godolphin’s brilliant Hartnell fits this profile perfectly.

  Race Track Traits

Randwick is racing in great fashion with winners saluting from all lanes on the track in recent weeks, and from both on and off-speed positions. The track is currently rated a Good 4 with some rain expected later this week, whilst the rail is out 6m to the 1600m and 4m the remainder. Suspect if conditions remain dry we can again default to an even surface, however a close watch is advised if the rain comes and jockeys are preferring certain lanes.

 Market Movers

The impressive Trapeze Artist has been heavily backed in early markets, after opening $2.70 it now trades at $2.15. Le Romain has drifted to $8.50 from $7 openers. No other significant moves of note.

 Key Runners

#1 Le Romain $7 > $8.50

Gets to his favourite track and a more suitable distance after taking on quality opposition over unfavourable sprint trips.  This has been the target all along and Kris Lees will have him primed. He may not be as dynamic as we have seen in past campaigns however he could surprise a few here. Would need to see a strong move inside the last 2 minutes of betting and if they come for him, bet accordingly.

#2 Brave Smash $7.50

Was a little disappointing in the TJ Smith over 1200m, the step up in distance for this will suit and he will find his feet early and secure a great position from gate 5. Has been up for a while now this prep which is a concern, however it may bode well fitness wise and he should be very strong late. Must include.

#3 Hartnell $9

When he is on, would simply put any field to the sword over this distance. Love him arriving here fresh off a very quiet trial. Suspect trainer James Cummings has had this planned out for many months and it does make sense. Has to do it from a tricky gate out wide in 11 but that won’t be a problem for Hugh Bowman, who will slot in midfield. Goes on top.

#8 Tom Melbourne $10

The “money muncher”, just how much longer can the punters endure the disappointment! This has to be an afterthought for Chris Waller’s connections, and they usually don’t end well. The only positive is that he should find a lovely position just in behind, however that is not enough to get enthused about his chances. No.

#10 Trapeze Artist $2.60 > $2.20

Was that Con Karakatsanis strapping him last start and a late jockey change on the other top fancy? The conspiracy theories swirled after his last start victory in the TJ Smith, where the pro punters jumped out of trees to back him off the map late in betting, before a questionable ride left a key opponent with no hope. In any case, this horse is all quality and deserves favouritism here. He will have some pressure from inside but could find the front. Hard to beat again.

#11 Showtime $12

Under-rated galloper who is right in this. Gets a nice cart across the face of the field with Trapeze Artist and will give a good sight, especially if they can get away with a steady tempo. Lacks a fraction of class against a few of these but will give his all.  

Of the others….

If the heavens opened you could make a strong case for Clearly Innocent. He took on Winx and Happy Clapper last start and that form is OK! Would need everything to go right but may be worth an each way ticket at the big price.

  Selections

1^st Hartnell

2^nd Trapeze Artist   

3^rd Brave Smash

4^th Showtime