3 minute read

A heavy deck faces punters on Saturday with a bumper nine race card set to take place at Randwick, headed by the Group 1 George Main Stakes.

While favourite backers haven't loved Avilius this time in, he appears well set up to break through in Saturday's event.

Kicking off over 1400m in the Winx Stakes, Avilius closed off well, before again game in defeat when the pattern of the day was against in the Chelmsford Stakes.

Both performances have been well below his career peak of 125, however he looks to be building nicely and he should appreciate the wet conditions.

The wide draw keeps him out of trouble and while again likely to get back, the injection of Dreamforce adds some much needed tempo to the race.

Samadoubt has taken full advantage at both starts, however he appears unlikely to get similar favours on Saturday.

The post-Winx era has quickly reminded us that is unusual for horses to win at every start, also worth noting past winners Kermadec and Sacred Falls were also beaten in the lead up.

Still feel Avilius is being set to peak in October/November, however he shouldn't be that far off on Saturday and if that's the case, he should prove hard to beat.

The Maher and Eustace trained Junipal heads up the highway off the back of a narrow defeat at the Valley last start.

Anyone who missed the race, I'll save you the trouble of watching the replay, he should have won.

Kept in work since May, Junipal has been a model of consistency, only missing the money once from six starts.

He won his maiden at Donald by 10L on a heavy deck and the engagement of Zahra is a big push for his chances.

Should settle in the running line (midfield) and with his fair share of luck, he should prove very hard to hold out.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he only looks to have to hold his form to be winning.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips For Sky Sports Radio:

Race 3 #11 Junipal @ $4.20

Race 6 #3 Pierata @ $4.50

Race 7 #2 Avilius @ $3.40