RANDWICK

 

WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY

TRACK:            GOOD 4                       RAIL:    +12M

 

 

 

 

BEST BETS:     

 

Race 2             No.2    SCHOOLMATES

 

Race 5             No.3    QUEEN OF HEIGHTS

 

Race 7             No.9    KOPI LUWAK

 

 

Race 1

2 – 4 – 7 – 8

On paper it looks a two horse race between HIEMAL who was solid in the Breeders Plate and has trialled well and Royal Witness who created a boom on him with an outstanding barrier trial last October and then again a fortnight ago. I’ve gone for the race experience and the better value with Hiemal but it looks hard to split them.

 

 

Race 2

2 – 6 – 4 – 5

I’ve liked the trials on the debutante SCHOOLMATES and after a few false starts we get to see if he can produce the ability on race day. He has natural early speed if his rider Blake Shinn wishes to use it. He should race handy and be amongst the spoils if the occasion doesn’t get the better of him. The stablemate Kookabaa must be getting close to a win having raced eight times in his career. I thought his first up run this time around was solid and a repeat would have him in the spoils here. Salvador will strip fitter following a solid first up run and if he gets a nice run up on the pace he will give plenty of cheek.

 

 

Race 3

4 – 7 – 1 – 6

Another race that looks a battle between two with the Hawkes trained SWAFFHAM BULBECK and Brad Widdup prepared Ridicule. Swaffham Bulbeck returns for his third preparation and looks ready to fire coming off the back of a very good barrier trial. From the good barrier he should stalk the speed and be ready to pounce in the run home. Ridicule is also first up having only started once previously when a very good second at Warwick Farm. He has been readied for today’s run with a nice barrier trial.

 

 

Race 4

4 – 2 – 7 – 1

It looks the trickiest race of the day yet there are only six runners set to face the starter. I’ve ended up with LOVERBOY CHARLIE who I think will appreciate getting back to Randwick where he was super first up behind Burradoo. Akasaki did the job well last start and with a three week freshen up must be considered a major player again. Moccasin Miss was heavily backed in the race won by Akasaki where she had no luck at all and should have finished a lot closer. Invincible Quest is a winner of five from eight and comes here off a few good barrier trials.

 

 

Race 5

3 – 6 – 2 – 8

QUEEN OF HEIGHTS finally got back into the winners circle last start at Canterbury over 1900m but I think she is far better suited dropping back to the mile here today. From a perfect barrier she will settle behind the speed and will be strong as an ox at the end of a mile. Stella Victoria took 11 starts but she finally won a race albeit against moderate opponents at Hawkesbury. That said the win was full of authority and it’d be no surprise if she went on with it from here. Allez Bien was strong winning last start and will again be in the mix from an on-pace position. Midnight Delight is third up and cherry right and from gate one and no weight expect a good run.

 

 

Race 6

13 – 4 – 11 – 10

MAZAZ needed a scratching to gain a start and luckily he got it and looms as a major player in an even race to my eye. Mazaz has been in Queensland for his four runs this campaign with improvement coming at each run. He comes here today rock hard fit from a good gate and to the 2400m which is the distance he recorded his only win at. Napoleon flies third up and I have liked both his runs this preparation and from a soft barrier he should a nice economical run. Varuska has been racing in strong consistent form and from barrier one he will get his chance to figure again.

 

 

Race 7

9 – 4 – 10 – 8

KOPI LUWAK is a 5yo who has only raced three times but he has already created a big impression and today’s race is another stepping stone in that journey. He was awesome at Moruya first up after 768 days then again he went super behind stablemate Acquittal at Randwick. He will likely get back but I think he can run over them in the home straight. Tip Top is flying and will likely settle handy and may well look the winner with the big question being can he run out a strong 1400m. Danzie is a spruik horse and returned in slashing style and must be given serious thought again today. All In The Reflexs can improve and looks the big overs to me.

 

 

Quaddie:

1^st leg:             1 – 2 – 4 – 7

2^nd leg:             3 – 6

3^rd leg:             1 – 4 – 5 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 13

4^th leg:             9

Cost $56 = 100%

 

1^st leg:             1 – 2 – 4 – 7

2^nd leg:             3 – 6

3^rd leg:             1 – 4 – 5 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 13

4^th leg:             4 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10

Cost $70 = 25%