3 minute read
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian metropolitan meetings for October 24.
Moonee Valley: Race 9 @ 4.15pm
The bar plates came off ARCADIA QUEEN (9) at Caulfield and she exploded, returning to her very best for the first time since the Kingston Town back in 2018. Dominant display, powering home in blistering late splits off a steady tempo, and looks ready to go to a whole new level now. RUSSIAN CAMELOT (11) was no match at all for her speed there but he won the Underwood like a really good horse and is still one that can be improving. So too is Irish visitor ARMORY (12) who brings a world class piece of form to the table via the Irish Champion Stakes where he ran third to two of the best in the world with the Arc winner back in fourth. Another visitor, ASPETAR (6), arrives off a peak of his own and has a chance. York win worked out well. PROBABEEL (13) did well to land the Epsom and while this will take better again she has a nice profile off that, following four-year-old mares to win this through the Epsom - Dane Ripper, Sunline, Pinker Pinker and the great Winx. Not dismissed lightly. SELECTION: #9 Arcadia Queen turned it on last time and promises to light up the Valley on the back of that.
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Randwick: Race 3 @ 2.00pm
ON THE LEAD (2) bounced back in a big way last start when game in defeat behind Wild Ruler in the Roman Consul Stakes. Returned a new career peak there and only looks to have to hold that form to be very hard to beat. DESTINATION (1) finished closer to Wild Ruler in the Heritage Stakes and has since been kept fresh (28 days). Has trialled well and looks to get a lovely suck run again. Clear danger. THE BOPPER (3) was backed off the map first up and looked to have few excuses when second behind Black Magnum. This is harder and he needs to lift on the bare form. OCEAN EMPEROR (4) won well at Wyong when returning as a gelding and appears the next in line. SELECTION: Siding with the improving #2 On The Lead.
Sunshine Coast: Race 7 @ 4.40pm
DESTINY'S OWN (1) has enjoyed the switch from a NSW yard this campaign, finding the line well to place first up before a strong Ipswich win last time. Fully fit third up and has each way appeal. Hard to knock the form of ZIEMBA (2). Kicked off this preparation with back-to-back wins then ran on for a 1.4L third last time. Proven at this longer distance and may be looking for it now. At his peak and looks hard to hold out. ONE FOR BETTY (7) has been doing a good job against some solid opposition and is drawn to get the run of the race. KEDAH (6) has run close placings at both runs since an Eagle Farm win. Deserves respect again. SELECTION: Backing #1 Destiny's Own on an each way basis.
Morphettville: Race 9 @ 6.21pm (AEDT)
VIDUKA (3) has returned from a long break with two very good seconds including last start when going down narrowly to star filly Instant Celebrity. That form should hold up here. DIMAGGIO (2) improved sharply last start when second up only going down narrowly. He can settle closer from a middle draw and gets a nice weight drop after the claim. Having won his only third up attempt he can return to winning form here. HARD ROCK GIRL (9) creates plenty of interest first up off a sound Trial. Keep safe. DOMINATION (4) is racing well and can add value to the exotics. BEERMINT (5) will make his own luck on speed and could sneak into the minor placings with luck. SELECTION: Backing #3 Viduka to win.
Ascot: Race 8 @ 7.10pm (AEDT)
CELEBRITY QUEEN (8) drifted back then found the line strongly to win by a whisker when resuming over this distance at Belmont five weeks back. Has won four from six at the trip and will prove tough to beat again. LONG BEACH (14) kicked off this prep with three straight wins at Belmont then couldn't finish off when fifth at the same circuit over this distance last time. Down in the weights and does like Ascot so worth another chance. LAVERROD (2) raced near the speed and boxed on well for a solid fourth in the Listed Crawford Stakes over 1000m at this track when resuming last start. Has never been out of the placings second-up. Can improve enough to take out this easier contest. FESTIVAL MISS (6) resumes from a 21-week spell. Has won two from four when fresh in the past. Three-time stakes-placed mare who has the right credentials to test this line up. SELECTION: #8 Celebrity Queen to win but don't fall for a short price as there is depth to this.
