By Nick Berney
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 3 # 4 – MISS KIM KAR
She's flying, and all of her runs this preparation have had merit in fast-time/sectional races. The filly was well-ridden last start at Randwick, but she showed the key attributes of acceleration/closing speed and put his rivals away with style. The Bjorn Baker-trained galloper improved every run last campaign from a ratings perspective, and she is replicating that this prep. Further, repeating her last start figure will make her hard to hold out, but there's every chance she can step again. The 1600m should pose no issue; she's proven in the conditions, and expect her to settle closer.
ROYAL RANDWICK – VALUE BET: Race 5 # 11 – EL PASO
He returned as a gelding this prep and bolted in two back at Newcastle to break through for his maiden when the blinkers were applied for the first time. Further, his visual dominance was backed up by the clock. Happy to be forgiving of his last start at Hawkesbury, where he didn't cope leading, and expect a colder ride here from the inside draw, which is an advantage over the 2000m start. He can bounce back and can rate to win.
Flying Thinker (Pic: Bradley Photos)
ROYAL RANDWICK – VALUE BET: Race 6 # 12 – FLYING THINKER
She tried hard in defeat last start at this track/distance when running second in a high-rating race, and the margin to third confirmed the quality. The mare was slightly keen in the run, trailing a slow speed, but showed a turn of foot and maintained a solid finishing speed to the line. Expect an aggressive ride early, letting her build into her own rhythm, and her heavy track record and ratings will put her in the finish.
NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 3 # 11 – ARISTOCRAT
He's a lightly raced improver and is well-placed here back to the provincial circuit. His debut run had merit after having too much to do and ran fast closing sectionals. The colt was honest last start on a very testing surface behind Agarwood. He'll appreciate the rise to 1400m and can settle closer from the inside draw. Expect him to be hard to hold out.