5/10/2019 Randwick tips and best bets: The Metropolitan

The Group 1 Metropolitan will showcase a number of horses who are on the Melbourne Cup fringes and looking to show that they are on target for the big one. 

Many of the main hopes come via the Kingston Town stakes, however it would not surprise to see the provincial cups form of Newcastle and Wyong feature heavily. 

I am with one who is a proven staying hard head and profiles perfectly third-up into this.

 Randwick Track Traits

For the latest insight on how the Randwick track is likely to play, read our preview of the Group One Epsom Handicap here.

 Racing Market Movers

Stampede has been the best backed runner in early betting, firming from an opening quote of $11 to now trade at $9.

The Archie Alexander trained Gallic Chieftain has been easy, out to $16 from $11 openers.

All other runners remain steady.

 Key Runners

#2 Gallic Chieftain $11 > $16

Won here over 2600m at Group 2 level to round out last prep, and usually has a good race in him.

He is a genuine stayer, who profiles well third-up (7:4-0-1).

The timing looks impeccable and if he gets a soft run throughout and a good tempo, I am convinced he will fight out the finish. Top hope.

#4 Neufbosc $12

French import who has been only average in his two Australian starts, after finishing midfield in both.

The extra distance up to 2400m here should suit, after he chased home evenly over 2000m last start.

Others look to have his measure, however you can't completely rule out. Watch betting.   

#5 Stampede $11.00 > $9.00

Loves to lead and dictate and he did that to perfection at Rosehill last start, when he raced away in the Colin Stephen over this distance. 

He will jump straight to the lead again from gate 8 and if left alone, he'll prove very hard to run past.

If the big last start effort hasn't flattened him, look for him to be a major player here. Yes. 

#6 Wu Gok $17

Has raced well all prep, having won his past two including victory in the Wyong Cup last start. 

This is much harder grade, however the form suggests he deserves his chance.

Although the gate is tricky in barrier 14, he has the tactical speed to allow James McDonald to push forward and race close to speed. Could be value. 

#7 Big Duke $16

Didn't show much first-up in the Kingston Town (7 of 16), albeit over the unsuitably short 2000m.

His second-up stats say no (5:0-2-0) and although he's now out to the 2400m trip that he enjoys (11:2-4-2), it looks as though many of these have him covered. No. 

#8 Come Play With Me $10

Showed good ability in WA and was sent straight to the Waller yard mid-prep, to chase the richer Sydney races.

He is an interesting runner who has done everything right in both east coast runs, including a narrow second placing behind Wu Gok two starts back.

I love the natural motivation that a stable change can produce and Waller will have him primed for this. Significant player. 

#12 Brimham Rocks $5.50

Won the Caulfield staying feature well last start, to finally break through for his first Australian win after 15 starts.

He did run second in The Metropolitan last year, however I doubt he has the consistency to repeat that performance in what appears to be a much deeper race this time. 

Looks a great lay to my eye. Avoid.    

#13 Hush Writer $9.00

I suspect that the stable won't be reckless by attempting to take on Stampede for the front.

He is likely to find cover just in behind, which worked to great effect last start when the change of tactics won them the Newcastle Cup.

Just needs to settle and if he can do that, he'll be fighting out the finish. One of the main hopes. 

#15 Scarlet Dream $6.50

Finished 7 of 16 in the Group 3 Kingston Town here last start, where he ran-on strongly.

This is much harder now at Group 1 level, however the Newnham stable are on fire and you must trust their judgement.

The slight query is that he's only had the two lead up runs, which is always a risk for a four-year-old. Prefer others.

Of The Others

#1 Shraaoh won the Group 1 Sydney Cup here last prep and has been ticking over nicely over unsuitably shorter trips.

He will get to midfield and if the breaks come, he has the ability to run home hard.

Could surprise a few at odds.