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By Nick Berney

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 4 # 7 – PERFUMIST

She was impressive last start, doing it at both ends at the same track/distance she faces on Saturday, and she ran a slick time relative to the day. The mare, as her profile suggests, improves deeper into a campaign, and she produced a career peak figure in that event. Further, she led at an even tempo, built momentum, and accelerated away from her rivals between the 600m-200m, with the margins throughout confirming the quality of the race. The mare is now at optimal fitness, meets some of her key rivals better off at the weights after beating them last start and will roll forward from the middle draw.

Lord Penman (Pic: Bradley Photos).

ROYAL RANDWICK – VALUE BET: Race 8 # 7 – LORD PENMAN

All the NZ imports runs this preparation have had merit, and his effort was hidden last start in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m). He had too much to do after being restrained from an awkward draw and got too far back with the race shape against. Further, to his credit, he ran well, running solid closing splits, and his last few bounds were strong. The gelding is ready to win with James McDonald riding, with the only query being a step back in distance, albeit he represents value.

ROYAL RANDWICK – VALUE BET: Race 10 # 19 – SERGEANT MAJOR

He’s ready to win and follows a similar pattern to last campaign, where he saluted at this track and distance when third-up. He needed the run first-up, and his effort was solid last start in a high-rating race with that form line since being proven. Further, he raced wide with cover, had nothing to bring him into the race and loomed to win but peaked on his effort. Expect him to be at optimal fitness, and this strikes as a target race by the stable. Likeable profile.

NEWCASTLE SATURDAY – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 6 # 7 – REBEL RHAPSODY

He’s in career-best form and improved sharply back onto a dry surface last start at Scone, running time. The four-year-old was a brave winner after being posted out on a limb in a fast tempo, and he responded well when put under pressure to win easily. He receives a significant barrier change, allowing him to have a much more economical run in transit, and repeating his last start effort/figure will put him in the finish.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting