Randwick Preview August 10

Soft 5; Rail True

Best Bets

RACE 4 (1) AGE OF SAIL: Nothing has gone the way of this talented Frankel import in his second Australian campaign, placing in three races over 1800m, 2000m and 2400m that he arguably could have won with better luck. He was a tragedy beaten over this trip last time at Rosehill when getting clear too late after he was locked on the fence from the turn and it’s a safe bet Nash Rawiller will be mindful to give the gelding plenty of clear air this time. Rates as the horse to beat as he was at his best in this distance range in the UK.

RACE 5: (2) DANCING ALONE – Quality mare with excellent credentials, being unbeaten first-up in three attempts and boasting four wins from four starts over this trip. Made her mark in Group company last prep and is set to rise further with two soft trials having her well prepared for this ideal first-up target. Speed sets the race up for her to have last look coming off the back of the favourite Our Kobison.

RACE 7 (12) YASUKE: Taking a big lead from the decisions Chris Waller and James McDonald have made with this rising gelding. Waller scratched him midweek to target this race third up and McDonald jumps off two last start winners in this field to reunite with the 5YO. He also gets a significant drop in weight and has been fitted for the step up to his favoured distance of 1600m after excellent efforts since resuming over 1250m and 1400m on wet tracks. The value bet of the day.

Selections

RACE 1: (5) WELL TIMED; (2) Smashing Eagle; (7) Detendu; (4) Prince Invincible

RACE 2: (5) SOMERTON SNIPER; (1) Florino; (4) Gundy Guy; (13) Soaring Phoenix 

RACE 3: (4) ZARROSE; (10 Getafix; (1) Invader Sim; (2) Unstopabull

RACE 4: (1) AGE OF SAIL; (2) Strathtay; (5) Our Anchorage; (10) Awesome Wonder

RACE 5: (2) DANCING ALONE; (1) Our Kobison; (8) Boston Rocks; (4) Sebonack

RACE 6: (2) JUNQUEIRA; (7) Hi Dubai; (9) Acapella Sun; (4) Tulsi

RACE 7: (12) YASUKE; (5) Green Shadow; (1) Space Age; (7) West Of Africa 

RACE 8: (3) SCHWARZ; (5) Ka Bling; (9) Arctic Glamour; (2) Semillion

RACE 9: (9) ARAMCO; (4) Galeron; (2) Golden Path; (7) Super Strike

RACE 10: (7) IRON MAN; (6) Willaidow; (9) Sessions Road; (3) King Of Naples

Why They Can Win…

RACE 1: (5) WELL TIMED – Made a good impression last season. Good trials have him ready to progress.

RACE 2: (5) SOMERTON SNIPER – Strong finisher getting better with experience. Sets up well for him from inside gate.

RACE 3: (4) ZARROSE – Strong first-up win under big weight to keep a perfect record over this trip. Good value.

RACE 6: (2) JUNQEIRA – Has been out of luck in good form races. This is her chance on a drier track from low draw with weight relief.

RACE 8: (3) SCHWARZ – Classy sprinter primed for this off impressive trial win. Strong pace will give J Mac options from wide gate.

RACE 9: (9) ARAMCO – Bold win this course and distance when having second start for Waller. Should get on pace favours again.

RACE 10: (7) IRON MAN – Has gone to a new level since resuming. Pays a penalty for his impressive wins but drawn to pounce again.

TRIAL WATCH REPORT

NOTED TRIAL RUNNERS – August 10  

RANDWICK SATURDAY: Getafix (R3); Oxford Vision (R1); Prince Invincible (R1); Our Kobison (R5); Tulsi (R6); Schwarz (R8); Golden Path (R9); Cloudland (R10)

SUNSHINE COAST SATURDAY: Balmoral (R1)

NOWRA MONDAY: Skeptical (R3)

TRIAL POINTERS

HAWKESBURY August 5: GETAFIX cruised through his 1000m heat (60.43; 34.39), covering ground all the way but never extended to finish second under a big hold. It was a clear indicator that he has gone ahead in the right manner since his recent first-up fourth at Rosehill.

WYONG July 29: Gosford-trained OUR KOBISON improved off his first-up trial at Scone to dominate his 845m heat in easily the fastest time of the session (50.53; 33.77). He had a companion for company in the lead until the 300m where he went up a gear to put his stamp on the trial and eventually cruise home by six lengths, stretching them out with a similar margin to the third horse. Sure to build on his impressive record of five wins and three placings from only nine starts. PRINCE INVINCIBLE enjoyed being on his home track to run away with his 1000m heat by 4.5 lengths (60.20; 34.91) under no pressure. He took the eye having an easy trial at Hawkesbury on July 8 and this effort confirms he is ready for a suitable short course sprint.

WARWICK FARM July 26: The standout trial of the morning came from the classy sprinter SCHWARZ, showing he has freshened well since he failed in Brisbane in early June. Led easily from a wide gate and stayed deep under big hold from James McDonald. Never off the bit to coast home by 3.5 lengths (54.28; 34.63), indicating he will be ready for a bold showing first-up in one of the early season sprints. Could go ahead in bounds as a mature 4YO. Former NZ filly TULSI, a G1 placegetter, took the eye with her closing work for third in her first trial over 1000m for her new trainer Matt Dale.

ROSEHILL July 23: Easy work after a freshen from the classy GOLDEN PATH in his 1000m black type heat, working home nicely behind the subsequent winner Williamsburg.

NEWCASTLE July 18: Some classy types took advantage of a good surface on the course proper to start their spring preps. Nice work from CLOUDLAND to win the Group heat over 920m (55.27; 34.95)

RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Zeitung; Williamsburg; Aces In Bloom; House Of Cards; Visual; Iron Hawk; Winchester; Lost; Global Empire; Wings Of Desire; Iron Man; Misty Legend; He’s In Like Flynn; Hot Jive; Fortingall; It’s A Knockout; Sakima; Xidaki; Yorkshire; Contemporary; Shezanalister; Brave One; Are Ee Que; Extremely Hardys; Bartolf; Photograph

BLACKBOOK REPORT

ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS – August 10

RANDWICK SATURDAY: Age Of Sail (R4); Lady Of Luxury (R6); Canberra Legend (R9); Rain Lord (R10)

MOONEE VALLEY SATURDAY: Wallenda (R9)

SUNSHINE COAST SATURDAY: Ready Azz Eva (R7)

BLACKBOOKERS – Selected August 3

(Follow for next 3 starts)

BOOM TORQUE; DEFIANT SPIRIT; HOLYMANZ; LAVISH EMPIRE; SPRING LEE; UP AND UNDER

RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Amigo; House Of Cards; Shiny New Deel; Invader Zim; Rogue Bear; Piastri; Madame Odette; Kapakiri; Batrana; Aramco; Don Diego De Vega; Rezone; Wyclif; Matisse; Tiffany Valentine; Craig; Celebrity Prince; Arqana; Freedom Rally; Mnementh; Piggyback; Yellow Brick; Cigar Flick