Randwick tips and best bets: Kosciuszko 2019

The Racing NSW slot-holder concept continues to thrive with the Kosciuszko to offer a great "curtain-raiser" to the feature race, the Everest, which takes place later on the Randwick card.

A rich Kosciuszko showcases the best of our country and provincial horses and gives our country owners a chance to compete for huge prize money. 

Last year's result was a complete blowout with $71 chance Belflyer saluting. I doubt he can go back to back here and I am with one that has plenty of race fitness and tactical speed.  

 Race Randwick Track Traits

The Randwick surface is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail in the True position the entire circuit. Fine conditions are predicted for Saturday.

With the rail in the True position expect the surface to race fair, with 3 or 4 lanes off the rail favoured slightly.  

As always a close watch is advised early, to determine any fast lanes or bias.  

 Racing Market Movers

Race favourite Victorem has been well supported early, firming from an opening $3.50 quote to now trade at $2.60.

Whilst Handle The Truth is slightly easy ($7 to $8).

 Key Runners

#1 Victorem $3.50 -> $2.60

The Eagle Farm win from two starts back is well worth a re-watch. He simply flew and if reproduces that performance there is no doubt he wins.

His race profile is the only slight knock where he does tend to get back in the field and rely on speed up front.

With any form of tempo throughout the race, look for him to be mowing them down late. Top hope.   

#2 Belflyer  $19 -> $21

Won this race last year at huge odds ($71) and does enjoy racing first up (9:4-0-1). 

Although he has trialled well coming in (1 of 6 at Gosford) the market suggests he is not the one.

He is likely to get back from the gate (barrier 11) and would need plenty of luck to get through. Risking. 

#3 Noble Boy $4.80

Is one of the classier types in this field, with regular city visits to contest the Sydney Highway events, and a Stakes raid at Eagle Farm to round out last preparation.

He won the Country Championship here last prep and will have the big day race experience. 

Another first up specialist (2:2-0-0)  who will be trained to the minute and must be included in everything. Yes

#4 Don't Give A Damn $19 -> $21

Ran a close up 4 of 12 in this race last year when wide throughout yet still kept chasing.

The form has been volatile in more recent starts however there is no doubt that at his best he can win.   

Very wary and could get out to ridiculous odds ($25+).

#5 Bobbing $14 -> $17

Has been readied for this with no fewer than 3 trials.

He was excellent all throughout the Provincial Championship series last prep, where he claimed the ultimate prize of the final here over 1400m.

Looks to have some extra stoutness and will be running right through the line. Leading chance. 

#8 Handle The Truth $7 -> $8

Flew late here first up when held up at a crucial stage, and could easily make a case that he should have won.

He is very experienced in benchmark city grade which supports his consideration as one of the more classy competitors. 

No doubt the horse is flying and with more luck this time out he can be fighting out the finish. 

#9 Star Boy $17 -> $31

Is the forgotten horse from the shrewd Brett Cavanough yard.

I thought his last start effort here was excellent when he burnt along early to lead and still looked strong close to home.

He is one of the fittest horses in the field. Expect him to lead or sit outside, and grind them into the ground. The value runner. 

#11 Awesome Pluck $13 -> $15

Has good Queensland form which looks a touch inferior when lined up against most of these.

Although he did start as a short priced favourite ($1.40) last start in good grade at Port Macquarie, which does suggest above average ability. 

A few too many questions marks, and would need to see him hard in betting late, to get interested. Prefer others. 

#12 Notation $8.50 -> $8

Is the leading hope of the mares division and has the services of a white hot J Mac.

She has been up a long time now (7 starts this prep) however keeps performing well at Listed and Group level.

If the gun rider's management have identified her, I trust she will be going very close. Could blow them away on class alone. 

Of The Others

None preferred.

The Everest has arrived and we have the ulimate resource for punters looking for Randwick tips, where we rank pro punters and experts from the racing media in order of profitability.