3 minute read
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 10 # 17 – Green Shadows
Nothing went right when resuming as a gelding at this track 28 days ago. He uncharacteristically missed the start, was never happy in the run, wanted to overrace and travelled in the inferior ground. Further, he was blocked for a run at a critical stage in the straight, halting his momentum but, once clear, he got his mind on the job and hit the line well to finish second. The Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou galloper has since trialled well on Tuesday, and his ratings/sectional profile suggests he can only improve off his first-up run. In addition, he has a favourable map and, with even luck, expect him to be hard to hold out.
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST VALUE: Race 5 # 14 – Time Quest
Is a lightly raced import for trainer Matthew Smith who has been racing well at the provincial level. First-up his win had merit; he showed a strong closing speed, running one of the fastest last 200m splits of the meeting. He then had too much to do last start when running second in a proven form reference that has since produced three subsequent winners. The gelding is a progressive type with a real trying action, and all key indicators suggest the rise to 1600m third-up is ideal. Moreover, he has a tricky draw to contend with but he can sprint off slow/fast tempos and dropping 4.5kg will only enhance his key asset in acceleration.
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 3 # 3 – Shameless Miss
Will look to make it back-to-back wins in this race, and her sectional profile suggests she's ready to peak. The mare had the pace/bias against last start and had to exert all her energy between the 600m-200m before peaking on her run over the concluding stages. Punter's Intelligence recorded that she ran the fastest section for that split in 21.97, which should bring her to optimal fitness. She represents value and relishes this trip.
NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 6 # 2 – Missile Max
Was heavily backed first-up at his home track and overcame multiple factors to win in style. He wasn't suited to the race shape, made his run through the inferior ground but to his credit, he savaged the line and ran the meetings quickest final 200m. Further, he is still learning, but that was a career peak figure, and he can improve again. The three-year-old will need luck with his racing pattern, but he represents value.
