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Selections and best bets for the Summer Cup meeting at Randwick on December 26 plus Trial Watch and Blackbook Reports.
RANDWICK December 26
RACE 1 (8) Vandoula Lass
RACE 3: (5) Zing
RACE 6: (5) Laure Me In (EW)
RACE 7: (11) Knickpoint (EW)
RACE 8: (13) Travest (EW)
RACE 9: (8) Dunbrody Power (EW)
RACE 1: 8-9-2-3
RACE 2: 17-15-19-13
RACE 3: 5-3-10-2
RACE 4: 10-12-9-6
RACE 5: 13-7-3-10
RACE 6: 5-2-9-8
RACE 7: 11-6-5-7
RACE 8: 13-14-11-12
RACE 9: 8-5-1-7
RANDWICK MULTI
RACE 3 (5) ZING: Happy to gamble that this lightly raced mare is set for a good preparation after her excellent first-up third over 1300m at Warwick Farm on December 9. She faces a quick rise in distance but on her past form this is what she is looking for as she has won second-up in the past at 1500m. She is sure to appreciate a 5kg drop in weight from her first-up effort and like the lead that the stable has scratched two stablemates with James McDonald sticking as her rider.
RACE 6 (5) LAURE ME IN: Easy to make the case that he can turn the tables on Greysful Glamour with a 4.5kg swing in the weights after giving away too much start when a strong second in the ATC Cup over 2000m at Rosehill on November 28 after the winner stole the race from the front. He's never been in better form and underlined his wellbeing with a super barrier trial win over 1100m at Canterbury on December 15. This race sets up well for him as the race map suggests that it will be no picnic for the leaders this time with plenty of pressure up front.
RACE 7 (11) KNICKPOINT: First to admit that he has his convictions but he is well placed to run to his best under these conditions after a pleasing return over 1100m at this course on December 12 when he finished off nicely under 59.5kg after a slow start. He had excuses after a pre-race incident and fancy he is set to improve sharply off that effort over the extra distance with a 3kg drop in weight. James McDonald has won on him in the past and having him stay on board after riding him first-up is another positive.
TRIAL WATCH REPORT
Noted Trial Runners – December 26
RANDWICK: Vandoula Lass (R1); Korcho (R5); Laure Me In (R6); Quantico (R7); Charretera (R7); Zoffany's Lad (R8); Madam Legend (R9)
EAGLE FARM: Shaquero (R4); Viridine (R8); Isaurian (R8)
RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Exceltic; Shaik; Fifteen Aria; Ranch Hand; Vreneli; Solvo; Triple Ace; Athiri; Aeecee Power; Smart Image; Harlem Groove; Converge; The Neon Knight; Mr Colorful; Hurt Money; Zou De Moon.
TRIAL POINTERS
CANTERBURY December 15: There was a lot more intent with the Breeders Plate winner SHAQUERO this time after his soft first-up trial at Rosehill on November 30. Jumped into the bit to lead his 900m heat at his own speed and James McDonald only had to give him the slightest squeeze at the 250m to get an immediate response that saw him extend like a good horse. Easy as you like to the line to score by 1.8 lengths (54.95; 35.08), leaving his rivals spread out over big margins at the finish. LAURE ME IN came from a distant last, giving the breakaway leader 15 lengths from the 800m, to win the fastest of the three 1100m heats (65.86; 35.92). Surged over the last 200m under a tight hold from Tommy Berry and while it was only a narrow margin on the line his strong effort confirmed that this much improved gelding is holding his form.
RANDWICK DECEMBER 8: MADAM LEGEND was in good winning form in the winter and is set to add to her record after posting the fastest 1040m heat win (61.17; 33.44) with something in hand.
BLACKBOOK REPORT
Eligible Blackbook Runners - December 26
CAULFIELD SATURDAY: Standoff (R3); Viral (R4); That Girl (R6); Paradee (R8)
EAGLE FARM SATURDAY: Seentoomany (R1); Profit (R7); Smartedge (R8); Baller (R9); Enterprise Prince (R9)
RANDWICK SATURDAY: Primitivo (R6); Golly I'm Lucky (R8); Greek Hero (R8); Travest (R8); Starla (R9)
RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Sword Of Mercy; New Arrangement; Hard Empire; Ellsberg; He's A Hotshot; Ballistic Boy; Belieber; Through The Cracks.
Blackbookers – Selected December 19
(Follow for next 3 starts)
AWAY GAME: Will be fitter. Nothing but upside with this classy filly.
PERSUADER: Sure to benefit from a tough first-up run.
POETIC CHARMER: Rarely far from the money.
MORE PROPHETS: Tried hard second up. Going well.
BELLA TIARA: Impressed with her strong work late.
