3 minute read
Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts
R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.
SELECTIONS
Randwick Race 2 - 10 Looks Like Elvis
Queensland trainer Brian Dais has covered some territory with this very fit 4YO in recent times and gets his best chance to cover his traveling expenses in this suitable 2000m event after his latest effort in Melbourne where he ran a close second to the highly rated import Shabau at Flemington when having his first start over this trip.
His previous efforts in solid form races in Sydney pointed to him wanting this distance and he makes a lot of appeal in this class with the positive booking of Kerrin McEvoy as his rider. Any give in the track will enhance his chances.
Randwick Race 7 - 12 Pohutukawa
This big filly could be one of the most progressive horses in the Godolphin stable this autumn following her enormous first-up third in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at this course when she reeled off outstanding closing sectionals after a poorly judged ride cost her a certain win.
She’s obviously come on from her classy wins in the spring and with the key riding switch to James McDonald seems certain to put in a big finish over this extra trip.
Much has been made about his barrier habits in his last prep but he was perfect in his recent impressive trial win at Rosehill on soft track and you have to respect his big fresh record of two wins and a placings from three attempts.
Astute stable have given a big lead by holding him back for an extra week when he could have contested a winnable race on his home course last Saturday, noting that he was placed in black type event in his only Randwick start last autumn. Well placed under these conditions on that form.
BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 23 February (Horses to follow at their next three starts)
High Mist - Suited in Brisbane, especially on a soft track.
I Got You - Should find a suitable race in Australia.Savatiano - Nice start to new prep from an honest mare.
Teodora - Had plenty of excuses.Born A Warrior - Can only get better with racing.
Recent Blackbook winners - Sikandarabad; Nakeeta Jane; In Her Time; Intuition; Reckless Choice; Rock; Andy’s A Star; Heptagon, Bons Away, Naantali; King Lear; Amercement; Harmattan; Sure Knee; Teodora; Gresham; Military Zone.
ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 2 March
Randwick (Sat) - Hursley (R2), Rome (R3), Frolic (R5), Brimham Rocks (R6), Pohutukawa (R7), Invincible Gem (R8) and Renewal (R9)
Doomben (Sat) - Fighting Teo (R2), Xebec (R6), Tumbler (R8) and Mishani Vaidra (R9)Flemington (Sat) - Secret Vega (R5), Widgee Turf (R6), Stars Of Carrum (R8), Performer (R8), Dealmaker (R8), Adana (R8) and Sheezdashing (R9)
Wangaratta (Sun) - Widgee Turf (R5)TRIAL WATCH HORSES
Randwick (Sat) - Kaonic (R5), Salsonic (R5), Dixie Blossoms (R8), Dyslexic (R8), Epidemic (R9), Piracy (R9), Renewal (R9) and Signore Fox (R9)
Dyslexic (Rosehill 11 February) - Talented mare stood out in the 900m heats, sitting three deep in midfield before rounding up her rivals that included Redzel with ease under a hard held ride from Tommy Berry. She put the fastest 900m heat time and sectional on the board (54.44/34.30) in her first trial since November and suspect she will take plenty from this strong hitout.
Recent Trial Watch Winners - Ariege; True Detective; Villami; Baaed; Baller, Adonis Victorious; Think Free; Tuesday Special; Classique Legend; Miss Antares; Winx; Archedemus; God Of Thunder; Gem Song; Fiesta; Carambola; Trope.
Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.