3 minute read

We remain on weather watch this weekend with Randwick currently rated a Good 4, though there is rain predicted.

Hoping we don't get too much and at worse we are in the soft range.

Can't say I'm overly enthused with the card on Saturday, but still happy to play (obviously) in a few races .

Little separated Castelvecchio and Shadow Hero in the Dulcify and sticking with the son of Dundeel getting out to 2000m.

Concede Shadow Hero was very impressive winning the Gloaming Stakes [1800m], however not sure he would have done much more than Castelvecchio did in the Golden Rose [1400m].

Run of his feet over 1400m, Castelvecchio wasn't disgraced and went to the line just behind Kubrick, who is third favourite in Saturday's Group 1 Caulfield Guineas [1600m].

In his two-year-old preparation, Castelvecchio exploded when out to the mile [Champagne Stakes] and put up form ahead of Shadow Hero, rated 121 by Timeform.

Shadow Hero is rated 117 off the Gloaming and while progressive, he'll need to be if Castelvecchio can produce his best.

Leading rider Josh Parr has jumped ship with Brenton Avdulla taking over on Saturday.

From the middle draw he should be able to find a spot midfield with the Waterhouse and Bott trained Just Thinkin' the expected leader.

Castelvecchio was sent out at 4-1 while Shadow Hero was 20-1 when they last met and it appears the market has over-reacted off the back of one performance.

Anywhere near his performance in the Champagne Stakes and Castelvecchio will take a fair bit of beating.

The Chris Waller trained Noire  has been rock solid in both starts to begin this preparation and now appears set to peak racing third up.

She has only placed once in her last 11, however she has been tested against much better company and appears poised to break through on Saturday.

A narrow fourth in the Dane Ripper last preparation, Noire was only beaten 1.6L in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara, a level of form which is well above her rivals.

Will likely get back from the wide draw which is a concern, however trust in the power of Nash and more than happy to be in her corner.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips:

Race 2 #12 Master Of Wine @ $3.00

Race 6 #1 Noire @ $4.00

Race 7 #1 Castelvecchio @ $4.00