3 minute read

An already heavy track with the prospect of more rain to come means we are looking for the mudlarks at Randwick on Saturday.

The nine race program at Randwick is shaping as something of a gauntlet on Saturday and there is still uncertainty how scratchings tomorrow morning will affect the meeting.

Suspect the better bets on the program are early on in the afternoon, the first of which is In Times Of War contesting the Anderson Benchmark 72 3YO Handicap (1100m).

The filly was rewarded for her latest consistency when winning at this course over 1200m a fortnight ago.

She was taking some short strides late however got the job done after commencing her campaign with three straight seconds.

Those seconds read particularly well considering they came behind other in form members of the fairer sex, particularly Bonny O’Reilly.

A drop back to 1100m appears ideal considering how desperate for the line In Times Of War was looking a fortnight ago.

She has a tendency to overrace as well so strong early speed drawn inside should assist the three-year-old.

A genuine Heavy track is a query however the Chris Waller-trained filly has performed well on Soft tracks.

As well as winning last start on a Soft 6, In Times Of War also looked comfortable on a Soft 7 surface earlier this season.

While the conditions on Saturday will be challenging, In Times Of War shapes as a solid bet back in trip and racing against her own age.

The Listed Stayers Cup (3200m) also comes early in the program.

After two miles on a bottomless track, expect to see some tired runners returning to scale.

In a race such as this, fitness is crucial and one Stayers Cup runner who possesses it in spades is Richard Of Yorke.

The son of Oasis Dream is presently in a preparation which commenced in December at Sandown.

This will be his 13th start so to say the UK import has the miles in his legs to run this out is an understatement.

Richard Of Yorke’s two runs on Heavy ground since arriving in Australia have each been solid and won his latest over 2400m at this track on April 22 by two lengths.

The Chris Waller-trained stayer was safely accounted for last start in the McKell Cup which Broadside ran second in.

He now however meets Broadside 5kg better at the weights.

The race as a whole also appears to fall favourably for Richard Of Yorke.

The gelding is one of only three horses in a field of nine who sit inside the handicap along with Broadside and Soviet Courage.

Each way odds appeal about Richard Of Yorke. Ideally there won’t be more than one scratching come Saturday morning to ensure an eight horse field and a place payout for second and third.

Sydney Specials: Randwick – June 10

Best Of The Day: R2; #3 In Times Of War @ $3.60