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By Nick Berney

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 7 # 2 – JIMMYSSTAR

He's flying this preparation, and his effort in the Group 1 TAB Everest (1200m) was full of merit. The gelding was a sectional star in his first two runs this campaign after getting too far back in the run, but he settled much closer last start albeit being posted out on a limb throughout working. Further, to his credit, he stuck on well to finish third and was brave in defeat. Historically, the Everest has produced multiple subsequent winners and he is suited to the 1300m with the six-year-old finally drawing a favourable gate. Will need the breaks to come at the right time, but expect him to be hard to hold out.

ROYAL RANDWICK – NEXT BEST: Race 6 # 8 – ISTOLEA MERC

He's primed to go back-to-back after a stylish first-up performance at Warwick Farm when winning with authority. The five-year-old showed gate speed, always faced the breeze and showed a sharp turn of foot, putting his rivals away in a matter of strides. Additionally, he produced a career peak figure that lines up well against his opposition in this assignment. The Bjorn Baker-trained runner can make the step-in grade, the 1100m suits again and James McDonald takes over the riding duties.

United Kingdom (Pic: Bradley Photos).

ROYAL RANDWICK – NEXT BEST: Race 5 # 12 – UNITED KINGDOM

He bounced back into form last start when striking a dry surface and hit the line hard to score at his home track. The gelding was run to suit, but he built momentum and put his rivals away easily late and recorded one of the meeting's fastest final 200m splits. The Chris Waller-trained galloper has shown consistency in his form and brings the best last-start figure, with the rise to 2000m suiting, with James McDonald sticking for the ride.

ROYAL RANDWICK – VALUE BET: Race 3 # 5 – RUBI’S SERVE

She went to a new level first-up at Kensington and, although having every chance, she raced well to win clocking a slick overall time relative to the day. The mare travelled well in a high-pressure race, building through her gears in the straight and going through the line full of energy, with her sectional profile suggesting she can step off that effort. Although drawn slightly awkwardly she may get the track pattern to suit and the big track is a positive.

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