3 minute read

Two narrow defeats will have Sydney visitor Royal Witness primed to win at Doomben on Saturday.

The Joe Pride-trained gelding looks well-placed in the XXXX Dry C6 Plate over 1050m.

Royal Witness heads north after going down by small margins at his past two appearances, missing by a head at Randwick before being pipped on the line in a rich sprint in Canberra. 

The ratings he returned in those two outings place him well clear of Saturday's rivals and all five of his career wins have come at this distance range.

Matthew McGillivray should secure Royal Witness a good run in transit from gate three to give him his chance to break through.

McGillivray also has an each way chance at odds with Mr Bellagio in the Ascot Childcare & Kindy Benchmark 78 over 1350m

The Team Edmonds six-year-old produced an eye-catching finishing burst at this course and distance last start, settling near last but steaming home for second.

He has produced several close up efforts this campaign and will be at peak fitness now with an anticipated genuine tempo also set to work in his favour.

Traffic issues from an inside draw are a potential obstacle but if McGillivray can get some clear air in the straight, look for Mr Bellagio late.

BRISBANE BEST

BET OF THE DAY: Race 5 #6 Royal Witness @ $2.40

EACH WAY PLAY: Race 8 #6 Mr Bellagio @ $17.00