29/9/18 Randwick Tips: Epsom Handicap 2018

The Epsom Handicap always attracts an exceptional field, largely due to its history as one of the nation's most famous 1600m races.

This year has not disappointed, with quality everywhere you look, and a nice blend of both sprinting and longer distance types.

There looks to be an abundance of speed engaged here and this may set it up for one who has had the luxurious smother, just in behind the leading division.

With a rain effected surface predicted, this race is wide open and could favour those accustomed to distances beyond the mile.  

 Randwick Track Traits

Royal Randwick is currently rated a Soft 5 with the rail out 3m the entire circuit and wet conditions predicted for Saturday.

With rain likely, the track surface will be effected however Randwick does have excellent drainage and can cope with significant downpours.

Historically, wet conditions have tended to bring out bias where riders have preferred to angle toward the outside fence.

Expect the outside barriers to be advantaged late in the day, as the inside chops out and jockeys look to scout wide for the better going.

 Racing Market Movers

Early support in betting has been seen for Unforgotten, who has been backed into $4.20 favourite from an opening quote of $4.50.

Opening favourite D'Argento is on the drift and has eased from $4 out to $4.40. A longer priced move for Nettoyer, $151 into $61, is also noted.

 Key Runners

#2 Pierata $4.80

No doubt he should have won here last start, when trapped wide throughout and he was grabbed right on the peg by Siege Of Quebec.

That run was enormous and will have him cherry ripe in the fitness department for a strong showing here over more ground.

I loved the way he flattened out mid-way down the straight in the run to the line last start and expect that we have not seen the best of him yet. 

The Randwick mile is considered one of the toughest in the country and generally takes a stout profile to be competitive, which he looks to have in spades backed up by his breeding.

Will get the dream run just in behind a genuine tempo and must go on top.

#3 D'Argento $4.00 > $4.40

Disappointed when backed into favourite late last start in the Theo Marks, where he was beaten 2 lengths into second placing.

That was on a Heavy 10 and as proven last week, it may pay to forgive any poor performances on the day due to the state of the track.

The speed map looks great for him here with a ton of speed expected to press forward, which will allow him to run-on.

Would have preferred him drawing away from the rail as he looks likely to get buried back along the inside.

He will need luck when picking his way through however if he gets it, he will be right in the finish. Leading chance.

#7 Unforgotten  $4.50 > $4.20

Has an explosive turn of foot and will have no problem running the 1600m right out.

The connections have also entered her in The Metropolitan (2,400m) and have opted to accept here instead.

That appears to be a shrewd decision, considering the speed in this race looks hot and will set up perfectly for a horse that has genuine staying ability.

She will get back and be running home over the top late, however it would not surprise if they try to push up closer and race midfield from the good ally in gate 3.

No doubt she simply wins if the leaders go warp speed. Top hope.

#16 Siege Of Quebec $13

The SP profile is enormous for him, where he has been heavily backed at all three runs this preparation and finally repaid the faithful when saluting here last start.

He is clearly very good however this is next level and although he did beat leading fancy Pierata at his last start, there is no doubt the latter was terribly unlucky.

This looks to be much deeper and expect him to find a number of these too strong.

Not a genuine Group 1 horse to my eye and happy to oppose from the wide draw (gate 14). No.

Of The Others

#11 Lanciato has a lethal turn of foot late and warrants respect if they go hard up front.

They may bet big odds and if there is a strong run-on bias, he would be worth including in everything. 

Follow the Randwick track experts in our Randwick tips market. Pro punters and Australia's racing media experts are listed in order of profitability.