RACE 4
13. Blue Willow is an interesting runner having her first run for the Maher stable. This Godolphin mare had a handy first preparation in the autumn and early winter and she worked home nicely in her only public trial. Seems to be fine in any conditions and she’s a good each-way chance. 10. Lightning Glory led all the way to an easy debut win on his home track a month ago and have to respect Nathan Doyle bringing him to this race. Has the right set up to give a good account. 3. Tasoraay resumes with the blinkers on and a claim to offset his big weight. Narrowly beaten at Rosehill in June and this is a drop in grade on what he was contesting there. Capable of making his presence felt. 6. Maid Of Moolah hasn’t finished worse than fourth and with this race falling away she’s proven in wet ground and on a hat-trick so has to be considered.
How to play it: Blue Willow EACH-WAY
RACE 5
1. Gringotts won this race last year with 58.5kg and a wide gate and since then he’s won the Gong and a Group 1 George Ryder so 62kg seems fair. Had a setback after resuming in the Winx where the heavy ground tested him but showed he’s on target with a game second in the Alan Brown. The one to beat. 2. Headley Grange is no pushover and he just got the better of Gringotts late there last time. Meets him 2kg worse and goes into this race seventh up. Logical threat. If there’s an upset then 6. Ruby Flyer could be one to do it. He’s not a dry tracker at all but he attacked the line nicely to run second at Randwick on October 25.
How to play it: Gringotts WIN
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RACE 6
8. So You Pence was excellent in the $2 million race on Everest Day. She was back in the second half and wide, hit a flat spot then made a solid late bid to run fifth. Another 100m looks a plus and draws a lot better this time. 5. Lisztomania finished just ahead of her in the Kosciuszko and his run was typically excellent after he was forced to go back to near last off the outside gate. He doesn’t run bad races, particularly at Randwick. 1. Gallant Star was the best of the chasers behind Clear Thinking in The Kosciuszko and he’s naturally going to be competitive again. Hard to knock.
How to play it: So You Pence EACH-WAY
RACE 7
5. Hollywood Hero put the writing on the wall for a big run here when he resumed with a close up sixth on Everest Day. Had to go back from a wide gate and he finished off nicely with his run ending near the line. Handles all ground and can’t see him not being competitive. 16. Tavros is flying and he was game when runner-up to Cristal Clear in the Dubbo Cup and probably wins the Coonamble Cup in a few more strides. He’ll be strong at the finish and that makes him dangerous. 1. Osipenko isn’t badly weighted with 62kg and if you go on his third in the Shannon Stakes two starts ago he has to be in the mix.
How to play it: Hollywood Hero EACH-WAY
RACE 8
1. Dragonstone won this race last year with 61kg beating Jedibeel and could well be a big improver back in grade having run in the Concorde, Shorts and Sydney Stakes. Draws well, softer track a plus and he’s a good chance. 5. Accredited resumes and does have a strong fresh record and overall record. The 1100m is as short as he wants it, but he’ll do no work from an inside gate and if the track is suiting him, he doesn’t want it really testing, he’s a threat fresh. 12. Shezanalister was never in the Sydney Stakes from a wide gate so put a line through that. First-up she gave Zealously a fright at Warwick Farm and on that sort of effort she has to be given another chance. 3. Brudenell handles all going and he’s fitter for one run back. On his form around In Flight from the winter he’d be right in this.
How to play it: Dragonstone EACH WAY
RACE 9
1. Well Timed was runner-up after doing a big job from a wide alley on Everest day and a wet track is of no concern to him. He’s generally a consistent performer when he finds his form and he’s been game at his past two. Definite chance. 7. Rock Empire beat Well Timed two runs ago then boxed on well in the same race to run fourth after ducking back to the inside. He’ll be in the first three or four and can be somewhere in the finish. 2. Kintyre might just like the edge off the track a little. Right in the market and fair to say he disappointed here last time at the mile but just back to benchmark level for the first time in a while he could lift. 3. Magnatear could get some on pace favours and he didn’t disgrace in the Big Dance Wild Card after leading. Can give a good sight.
How to play it: Well Timed WIN
RACE 10
8. Durova is a very interesting runner returning to the city after four wins from as many starts for the new stable. She’ll have her chance to measure up. 4. Bundeena was an easy winner over this track and distance fresh last time in and like Durova will appreciate a bit of tempo on as he returns from a break. 1. South Of India has to be kept safe with Nash back on and even though he’s drawn wide he did win a race here down the outside fence under Nash’s guidance. He can run well.
How to play it: Durova WIN
Best Bets: Race 1 (4) Natoya; Race 9 (4) Sir Artie
Best Value: Race 4 (13) Blue Willow
