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By Ray Hickson

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 6 # 10 – BOSTON ROCKS

No doubt this Nathan Doyle trained three-year-old faces his biggest test but he’s also stacked with potential and goes on trial for a start in the Listed Gosford Guineas in a couple of weeks. He was dynamic winning his first two starts for the stable at the provincials before having excuses when a beaten favourite in a Benchmark 72 on the Kensington track on a day with a bit of rain around and where he was kept busy one off the fence in front. Back to 1100m on the fresh side is ideal for him and he looked the part winning a Newcastle trial in the lead in. Plenty to like about him, he’s drawn ideally and gets in with 54kg. Would be surprised if he’s not in the finish.

Boston Rocks (Pic: Bradley Photos).

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST VALUE: Race 3 # 2 – CROSS THE RUBICON

Would love to see this mare draw a bit closer to the fence but she did show last start when she broke well that she can hold a forward position. That could be crucial here as the race could be dominated on the speed by a pair of Waterhouse/Bott charges who naturally like to be on the pace. If she can land on their backs or at least around midfield she has the depth of form they don’t to suggest she might get her chance to break a little run of outs. Her run behind Lekvarte last start was sound and what price would that mare be in this race? Needs the breaks but a good chance.

ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 8 # 6 – CRAFTY EAGLE

Well, Plan A didn’t come off for trainer John Thompson with this talented gelding. He was due to resume at 1400m on the Gong program three weeks ago but that was ruled out when the track came up heavy. So he eventually started off at 1200m at Warwick Farm in a race won by the leader but he still reeled off some nice sectionals to run a close fourth. Crafty Eagle clocked a last 600m of 33.64 (Punter’s Intelligence) in that first-up run so it says he’s come back in excellent order. He does have the ability to race handy so don’t be surprised if he looks to offset the wide gate and he also enjoys Randwick. Go well.

BEAUMONT NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 5 # 1 – CHARTWELL

It’s been quite a while since this four-year-old last stepped out in a race, back in early March, so he’s likely had a few little issues but if he returns anything like the same horse then he’ll have a prime chance to snare his first win. Chased home Sports Legend on the Kensington track in his last outing and went around a well supported $4 chance. Had a couple of trials in September then reappeared, and looked very good, to easily win a Rosehill trial last week. Unless there’s something smart among the first starters he’s well placed to break through.

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