By Nick Berney
Kerguelen (Pic: Bradley Photos)
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 10 # 19 – KERGUELEN
Like him, and he's a progressive type with key attributes who profiles well for this assignment. The Godolphin galloper had every chance first-up, stalking a slow pace, but he relaxed well, sprinted hard to record one of the meeting's fastest final 200m splits and produced a high-rating last section to score. Further, all key indicators and the late market trade suggested he could only benefit from the run. The four-year-old has an immaculate record and SP profile, and he drops 5.5kg in weight, which will enhance his key asset of acceleration. Expect him to roll forward and be hard to hold out.
ROYAL RANDWICK – NEXT BEST: Race 9 # 13 – HEADLEY GRANGE
He's a consistent type, and in his past eight starts, he has either won or finished second. The Joe Pride-trained runner resumed at this track a fortnight ago, was heavily backed late in betting and had to overcome difficulties to score. He was checked and blocked and couldn't build momentum in the straight until clear over the final furlong, where he surged late, recording the meeting's fourth fastest final 200m split. The gelding maps to have all favours, brings multiple winning ratings and can elevate to a new level.
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 5 # 1 – SALT LAKE CITY
The import bounced back last start, and his run was full of merit after being posted wide throughout. He was three, four-wide throughout, working at a fast pace; with Punter's Intelligence recording, he covered the most ground of the race, being 1614.6m. Further, he never shirked his task to the line and ran 12.64 for his final 200m. The gelding drops sharply in grade, can settle closer and rises to 1800m suits.
KEMBLA GRANGE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 4 # 3 – SPACEBALLS
The Ciaron Maher-trained runner had only one trial leading into her first-up run at Canterbury, and she ran an even race. The filly had every chance but struck a high-pressure event and battled on well to finish fourth. Expecting her to improve sharply second-up with a stronger fitness base and dropping back to the provincial circuit. She maps to have every chance, and her peak figure came on a dry surface.