10 Fantastic Races at Randwick – 4 October 2008

Randwick has a truly spectacular racing program on saturday, with four Group1 races, two Group 2’s, a Group 3 and three Listed races.

The first Group 1 is the $400,000 Arrowfield Stud Flight Stakes for three-year-old fillies over 1600 metres. It is a set weights race, and Samantha Miss is the odds-on favourite, and looks unbeatable here.

The second Group 1 of the day is the $400,000 Thrifty Spring Champion Stakes for three-year-olds over 2000 metres. The early market has Predatory Pricer at $3.00 slightly ahead of Rhyno Chaser at $3.60 in the field of fourteen. Predatory Pricer looks as if the distance will suit, while Fight and Defend is also a chance.

Next up is the $600,000 The TAB Jackpots Metropolitan for three-year-olds and upwards over 2400 metres. Red Lord is a firm favourite at $2.80 ahead of Fiumicino $6, Bianca $7 and Gallopin $8. All other runners in the field of fourteen are at double figure odds.

This brings us to race 8, the fourth Group 1 of the day. It is the $600,000 Arrowfield Stud Epsom Handicap over 1600 metres, and is one of Australia’s classic 1600 metre races, along with the Doncaster. It was first run in 1865 and has been contested by some of the best horses in Australia. Although it is for three-year-old and upwards there are no three-year-olds and only three four-year-olds in the field of 18 runners this year.

Early favourite in the Epsom is Raheeb who had a tremendous win in the Cameron Handicap over 1400 metres at his last start. There are only two mares in the race and both have solid claims. Judged is second favourite – she has won her last two starts and will be ridden by Glen Boss who won the last Epsom on Racing To Win in 2006 (Equine Influenza prevented it being run in 2007). Gallant Tess has been going well this campaign and will appreciate the weight of 53kg instead of 57 kg.

Mentality won the George Main over 1600 metres last Saturday, and will also be suited by the handicap conditions. Musket is also a last start winner who does well at Randwick and won his only start over 1600 metres. Watch the market moves to see who is being backed.
by Jo Jackson