02/10/21 Randwick Tips for Epsom Handicap & Metropolitan
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- Author: Joshua ReedOct 01, 2021 04:46 PM
- Photo: Getty
Super Saturday
We head to Royal Randwick for a Super Saturday, with three blockbuster Group 1's on the card including the Epsom Handicap and Metropolitan.
Saturday also launches the Sydney two-year-old's season, with the Group 3 Gimcrack and Breeders Stakes on the card.
It shapes as a cracking day of racing, as the Spring carnival really kicks into gear.
Track Conditions
The track is currently rated a Good 4 with scattered showers forecast for the rest of the week in Sydney.
We have one eye on the weather, but the early prediction is for a Soft 5.
The Randwick rail will be back in the True position and at this set-up, all runners will get their chance.
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Enter stake > Place bets > Tips revealed
Randwick Race 8 - Group 1 Epsom Handicap 1600m
The Map 
The speed in this year's edition of the Epsom Handicap looks set to be above average.
Discharged (2) will push up from the inside gate, whilst Cameron Handicap winner Ashman (17) will be steaming across from out wide.
Dalasan (8) will attempt to hold a forward position, whilst Riodini (15) will likely carve across behind Ashman to get himself into a prime spot.
I expect Aramayo (5) to take up a more forward position to his previous runs and Icebath (14) to sit just off them.
Look for Harmony Rose (16) to slot in just off the leading bunch, with the rest of the field set to battle for prime positioning behind them.
The Favourite 
Riodini ($4.60) has opened up favourite after some brilliant runs in the lead-up.
He has been superb in his previous two outings behind Think It Over in the Chelmsford Stakes, and then beaten late in the piece by Verry Elleegant in the Group 1 George Main Stakes last start at this track and distance.
I love the 7.5kg weight drop coming from WFA back to handicap conditions and the outside draw will suit a horse with his usual map.
I'm expecting him to stalk the pace set by Discharged and Ashman, before making his move at the top of the straight.
It will be catch me if you can.
Analysis and Tips 
Riodini ($4.60) is one of two horses I'm keen to back, and I expect him to prove hard to catch.
Aramayo ($11.00) is a nice each-way price that may drift with support for other runners.
His runs in the Tramway and Bill Ritchie were nothing short of amazing and with the kinder gate and the 6.5kg weight drop he's well in.
I can see him just off the leading group, bringing home the rest of the field. Alysha Collett is a very strong rider and providing he keeps Riodini in his sights, he could go very close to winning.
Randwick Race 9 - Group 1 The Metropolitan 2400m
The Map
This year's Metropolitan looks to have plenty of pace and should be a good gallop throughout.
Quick Thinker (16), Angel of Truth (17) and Le Don De Vie (19) look the likely speed horses from the deep, with Spirit Ridge (7), Hush Writer (6) and Entente (3) likely to be kicking up inside them to form the lead group.
Dashing Willoughby (5) won't be far off them and neither will Mirage Dancer (12).
Look for Charm's Star (8) to get a nice run in behind them, with Luncies (1) and Zeyrek (2) in the pack also now that they have gained a start.
The rest of the field will sort themselves out accordingly.
The Favourite
Montefilia ($6.00) and Entente ($6.00) are the joint early favourites in this wide-open affair.
Montefilia is coming off two decent runs behind Think It Over in the Chelmsford, before being no match behind rival She's Ideel in the Kingston Town Stakes when finishing second.
She is suspect over this distance, as 2000m is the furthest she has won over. I expect her to run well, but I doubt she's a winning chance.
Entente is on the quick seven day back-up after his impressive win in the Colin Stephen Quality over this distance.
He maps to get a nice run, has no weight on his back and he showed last start 2400m isn't out of his reach.
If he can get an easy run behind the leaders, he may be hard to run down.
Analysis and Tips
There's two horses I want to speck here at decent odds.
Charm's Star ($46.00) is one that is massive odds and she is no stranger to this distance.
She proved in New Zealand that she is staying quality, finishing second behind the talented Amarelinha in the NZ Oaks.
She then headed to Australia under the care of Chris Waller, and finished third in the Roses at Doomben followed by a second behind the Duais in the QLD Oaks.
So far this preparation, she's just been fair over shorter distances, but showed last start that she is ready for the big step-up to 2400m.
She recorded some nice splits over the final 800m last start and Bowman stopped riding her 50m out, so the last 200m should be disregarded.
Alysha Collett has another big ride and again, should get her into a prime spot to attack late. Silly price.
Zeyrek ($11.00) opened at $26.00 but has been backed in well, especially after gaining a start.
His run in the Kingston Town was very good and I thought he quickened well for a horse who obviously wants further.
His form in Europe was all over 2400m+ and if he performs like he has over there, he will give this race a big shake.
Hopefully he won't be too far off them with his low weight.
