3 minute read
A Heavy 9 track at Randwick faces punters on Saturday with the first kicking off at 11:30am, easily the biggest positive about Winter racing.
The Ron Quinton trained "Freddie" Ljungberg has been rock solid in both starts to begin this preparation and now appears set to peak on Saturday.
A model of consistency, he has continued to put up strong performances, though it hasn't often worked out in the punters' favour.
In nine starts, he has started favourite on six occasions with just two wins to his credit, though it arguably should be three, when forced to side wide throughout behind Vegadaze.
Saturday's affair is likely to see him start inside 2-1 and in fairness he should be.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings he sits clearly on top and does bring the best form, when only narrowly beaten behind subsequent winner River Bird last start.
The step up to 1300m is another tick and while I'm not sure he loves the heavy going, he should get through it.
From the inside draw, he looks to get a lovely trail and appears very well placed after Sam Clenton's claim.
Hard to suggest he lines up against any stars and with all things being equal, he should just win.
I'll admit it is D-Day for him, but hoping Freddie can stand up and break through!
In the opening event the Chris Waller trained True Detective creates plenty of interest in his return.
Put straight into the Blackbook off his debut win at Rosehill, he appears more than above average and has trialled up very well in the lead up.
By Shamus Award he narrowly beat Mo's Crown on debut (4.5L back to third) and while the form behind him hasn't worked out, I don't want to tie him down to his opposition, that can certainly be a trap when assessing 2YOs.
Like the fact the stable put him straight away, as he ran fast time with a hint of more to come.
The much in-form Blake Shinn legs aboard and he's drawn to receive all the favours on the inside.
Expect him to land in the first couple and with even luck, he should prove hard to hold out.
Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips For Sky Sports Radio:
Race 1 #3 True Detective @ $3.00
Race 7 #7 Royal Witness @ $4.60
Race 8 - #9 Ljungberg @ $2.50
