By Nick Berney
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 9 # 9 – WITH YOUR BLESSING
Like him, he produced a career-peak figure when bolting in last start at this track/distance. His effort was full of merit after always facing the breeze at a genuine tempo and showed a sharp turn of foot before extending away from his rivals, running one of the meeting's fastest final 200m splits. Further, he ran slick time relative to the day, and the margins throughout confirmed the quality. He maps to have all favours, gets in with no weight and reproducing his last start effort/figure will make him hard to hold out.
ROYAL RANDWICK – NEXT BEST: Race 6 # 1 – AMELIA’S JEWEL
She profiles well for this assignment and has looked sharp in two recent trials. The mare is a proven fresh performer and has the key attributes of adaptability/acceleration. She has consistent form, multiple winning ratings, and James McDonald rides for the first time. Expect an aggressive ride from the draw, and she'll have a tactical advantage over her key rivals.
Via Sistina (Bradley Photos)
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 8 # 8 – Via Sistina
Her return run in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick had sectional merit and her final few bounds/work past the post was strong. The Chris Waller-trained galloper wasn't suited to the race shape and had her momentum haltered at a key stage, but once clear, she savaged the line. Punter's Intelligence recorded she ran the race's fastest final 200m in 10.98, and the rise to 1600m second-up is ideal. Expect her to improve significantly second-up and bounce back into the winner's stall.
CANTERBURY – FRIDAY NIGHT PICK: Race 5 # 9 – RIP OFF
The Godolphin galloper was well-backed first-up at Wyong and ran an honest second. Further, she couldn't build momentum between the 600m-400m, but once clear, she found the line solidly and clocked one of the meeting fastest final 200m splits. Her ratings pattern suggests she will improve significantly, and the soft draw gives her every chance.
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting