3 minute read

Hard to suggest Sydney has been a happy hunting ground (for me anyway) the last few weeks, but hopeful we can turn it around at Randwick on Saturday.

Combined James McDonald and Hugh Bowman won five of the nine races at Rosehill last weekend, including three second placings.

It's not often we are lucky enough to have riders of their level riding in Sydney during the Winter, more often than not they are up in Brisbane or on holidays.

There hasn't been many positives to take out of COVID-19, but this is certainly one of them.

Both riders are striking at >20% from their last 50 runners and if you do find yourself running out of time to do the form, just following the pair isn't a bad way to spend your Saturday.

In the third event we side with McDonald aboard the Matt Dunn trained Keen Power.

Locked away on the inside first up, he was really strong through the line and from the wide draw he now gets the chance to get into the running line.

McDonald will need to weave a bit of magic, but his tactical speed should allow him to slot in.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he rates top and do expect him to improve further second up.

Only a lightly raced 3YO, he looks to hold a fair edge on his rivals and with even luck he should be able to get home over the top of them.

In the fifth event with team up with Bowman aboard the Sue Grills trained Burning Crown.

A handy winner fresh, he stuck on well last start when caught wide throughout behind Dirty Work.

Since kept fresh (35 days) he should appreciate the step up to 1200m and has drawn to get a lovely run.

Both Catesby and Noble Joey ensure a solid tempo and with Bowman stalking the speed, he should be very strong late.

Burning Crown rates clear off his first up win and a return to that level of form should see him right in the finish.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips:

Race 3 #9 Keen Power @ $4.00

Race 5 #5 Burning Crown @ $3.00

Race 1 #7 Zoumist @ $6.00