1: Mo’unga (NZ) (2)
Mo’unga won this race last year in fantastic fashion, running down the queen Verry Elleegant in the process, so that form alone reads fantastic. He recently trialed terribly, but he is a race day horse through and through.
Plus, jockey Tommy Berry has said that the horse accidentally ran into some of the cones on the track, which hampered him. He loves the fresh run and should settle right in the thick of things on the tail of the pace. He can go back to back for sure.
2: Stockman (6)
A decent horse on his day, but he wants a much longer race and is just looking for fitness here. A win would be very shocking.
3: Anamoe
Yes, Anamoe is the classiest horse in the race, but do you really want to jump on at the odds he’s currently at? I certainly don’t.
Even if he wins, $2.50 is far too short. This is considering that the field is stacked, he often crumbles under pressure, he’ll most likely get shuffled all the way to the back and give them a big start going around the bend.
James McDonald will make sure he’s within striking distance and gives him a fair chance and can definitely win, but just too short for a bet.
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
4: Profondo (7)
When you look at the pedigree, the form and the ability, $15 just screams overs for Profondo, doesn’t it? He is already a Group 1 winner and loves the Randwick track, plus the sunny weather should ensure the track is as dry as possible come the eighth race of the day which will play right into his hands.
He’ll settle right onto the pace as there isn’t a whole tonne of speed drawn inside of him and get one of the first bites of the cherry of taking over in the straight. Looks to be the best value each-way bet in the race.
5: Hilal (3)
Just has not been the same horse that we’ve seen before. Got close to Anamoe over this trip in the Autumn Carnival, but that took all of his muster. Didn’t fire a shot first up and this is much much harder. Will have to see a lot of improvement to win.
6: Benaud (4)
Almost beat Hitotsu in the Aussie Derby so we know he has some ticker, but he wants more ground and should find this lot a bit too sharp.
7: Duais (5)
A talented horse that should be given a lot of credit for the way her Autumn carnival finished off with two massive wins, including a Group 1, before failing to fire in a drenched Queen Elizabeth. Don’t think she has the fire first up over this distance to win, but gee you’d be brave to leave her out of your exotics.
8: Forbidden Love (10)
Many thought she was a moral when she was first up two weeks ago, but boy did she disappoint. Perhaps the track was drying too much for her, but that will be the case on Saturday as well. You’d be a fool to put a line through her completely off that run, though.
Should find the pace, if not lead and could play the devil’s advocate by providing the road block going around the bend. Can win if she gets the breaks.
9: Icebath (8)
God I would love to see her win, but she’s got a reputation as a non-winner for a reason. Plus, she’ll probably find it a little too dry, but she’s shocked the system at big odds before.
10: Fangirl (9)
This mare is very classy. She’ll have a big Spring and that can start here with a smart first up run, which she often loves. Gets the lightweight as well, which can help her when she goes for her patented late flash down the outside. She’s got bigger aspirations this Spring, but this could be a great start if she’s in the finish.
11: Hinged (11)
Usually love this girl, but she’s drawn the widest barrier, which could seriously hamper her chances if she gets caught wide and shuffled towards the back. Both the owners and the trainer are super confident that she’s in for a massive Spring and granted, she can certainly have one if she gets the right conditions at the right time.
She’ll flash late, as the Waller girls always like to do, but can she win? Remains to be seen.
Top Selection: Profondo
Top 4: Profondo, Mo’Unga, Anamoe, Hinged
