3 minute read
The best looks set to be saved for last at Randwick on Saturday.
A nine race program greets punters at Randwick on Saturday headlined by the Chipping Norton Stakes which is seemingly at the mercy of Chris Waller’s Star Mare Winx.
While she will start as a long odds on favourite, the remaining eight races offer up some appealing prospects at substantially better odds.
Meursault came painstakingly close to victory when a slender second at this course, class and distance a fortnight ago.
On Saturday the gelding contests the Schweppes Benchmark 84 Handicap (1200m) where he appears poised to go one better.
His last start performance returned a Timeform rating of 98.
Such a figure sees him sitting highly amongst this field on weight adjusted 50 day Timeform ratings.
In his favour is the fact a Timeform rating of 98 is some 12 pounds shy of his current peak which suggests there is substantial room for improvement for the gelding.
Meursault only knows one way and will be working forward from barrier 9 to either lead or settle outside another noted pacesetter in Typhoon Jolie.
From that anticipated prominent position, expect Meursault to take a power of catching over the final stages.
To commence the quadrella legs, Amicus looks a superb value play in the Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m).
Amicus hit the ground running when taking out the Group 2 Breeders Classic (1200m).
While not a noted sprinter like a number of her main rivals and generally known to be at her optimum on soft ground, class got Amicus over the line in a head bobber over Press Report.
The run is expected to have brought her on well and the rise to 1400m will also be ideal.
She possesses an excellent second up record and has produced a majority of her best work on firmer footing.
Furthermore, Breeders Classic winners generally go on to taste further success against their own sex deeper into their preparations.
The last winner of the Breeders Classic not to enjoy further success in their autumn campaign was Gallant Tess in 2008.
Since then, four mares have claimed the Breeders Classic – Guy Walter Stakes double (registered as the Wiggle Quality).
Hot Danish achieved the feat in 2009, Steps In Time twice (2012 and 2013) and Catkins in 2014.
Back Amicus at her each way quote and hope she can continue this trend.
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Sydney Specials: Randwick – February 27
Best Of The Day: R9; #6 Meursault @ $3.40
Each Way Play: R6; #1 Amicus @ $7.00