Are we dreaming? A potential good 4 at Randwick is music to the ears of every NSW racing fan in the country.
The rail is out 3m. It was true here last time and the inside lanes were not the place to be.
The surface is currently in the soft category, however good weather is expected prior to the weekend with an improvement likely.
Randwick Race 2 #5 Midnight In Tokyo $4.80
This looks like a lovely race for the Kacy Fogden trained filly.
She has had the two career starts with both showing signs of ability.
Last start she over raced badly on the heavy 10 but still closed off strongly beating home key rival Sheeza Belter.
That horse has since won in great fashion in the Sires Produce and goes around as a leading chance in the JJ Atkins this weekend.
From the barrier, she can land in a midfield role and have plenty of galloping room.
Back on a dry deck is a big tick and her metro form should stand above these.
She’s a great price to have a gamble on.
Randwick Race 10 #15 Kanazawa $4.80
This lightly raced gelding returned in good order at his last start and can go on with it here.
The step up to 1400m looks suitable and with plenty of speed engaged the map looks ideal.
From barrier 13, look for Glyn Schofield to sit beyond midfield, behind a cracking tempo and be saved for one last crack at them.
It'll pay for punters to assess the track after the first 6 or 7 races before betting, to ensure back markers can make ground.
Randwick Race 2 #13 Wingardium $19.00
I am praying connections opt to run this talented 2YO filly at this event, rather than the midweek meeting at the Kenso.
She showed a touch of class at the trials and then really impressed me with a gritty performance at Goulburn.
She jumped brilliantly from barrier 13 on that occasion but was caught deep in an early speed battle.
This forced her to drop back behind the leading trio, before making an early move even deeper on the turn.
There is no doubting she is blessed with early speed, a crucial factor needed by 2YO's, and the stop/start pattern didn't suit her one bit.
The winner on that day, Emilia Romagna had plenty of favours in the run and this told late.
It is also worth noting she had prior racing experience.
Emilia Romagna now lines up as a $4.20 favourite in this event, yet the second-place runner Wingardium, who will be better for the run is $19.00?
I can't understand that.
Wingardium will need to deal with the wide gate again but I can see jockey Dylan Gibbons given clear instructions to take his time to slide forward.
If he can successfully do this, he can sit outside the like leader in Yankees.
Looks a silly price and a 1x3 bet play is a terrific play.