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Chris Nelson provides his best bets for the Thoroughbred meeting at Randwick on Saturday, 23rd May 2024. Brought to you by the TABtouch Blog.
RACE 1
After 3 weeks at the provincials we head back to town on Saturday with racing to take place at Randwick. The day kicks off with an interesting 2yo affair where I'm very keen to be with the resuming RAG QUEEN who won on debut before making up a stack of ground this track in the 1100m Inglis Millennium. Spelled, trialled well, 1200m, all looks ideal, confident she'll make a winning return. The consistent PISCES the logical danger, has race fitness. SWIFTFALCON was big odds-on debut, got going late & should appreciate 1200m.
Numbers: 2 – 1 – 7 – 4
Suggested Bet: RAG QUEEN TO WIN.
RACE 2
Only small numbers in this week's Midway. Sticking with the first up winner NAVY BLOOD who relished the strong tempo to score running away at Newcastle a fortnight ago. That suggests he's now looking for further which he gets rising 200m today. SUMO STAR clearly the toughest to beat, placed both runs this grade & will again carry a 'postage stamp'. Expecting improvement from ZOUKERINO who should find this a shade easier than recent runs & with the claim is well weighted.
Numbers: 1 – 10 – 6 – 3
Suggested Bet: NAVY BLOOD TO WIN (small bet).
RACE 3
As far as numbers are concerned the Highway field doesn't disappoint! Murwillumbah based Matt Dunn is the King of the Highway races & I'm in his corner here with the second-up ORIENT'S SECRET who closed off strongly behind Pizarro first up & note that galloper has since won again (Ipswich Wednesday). TANGLEWOOD is only lightly raced showing plenty of promise, no favours at the gates here however with luck will figure in the finish once again. TAI LUNG draws well, many don't, include.
Numbers: 3 – 1 – 13 – 16
Suggested Bet: ORIENT'S SECRET EACH-WAY.
RACE 4
In a race with plenty of ex-European stayers engaged QUANTUM CAT looks the one ready to break through. Only lightly raced he's got winning form around this distance range overseas & should be primed stepping up to 2400m third run back from a break. HIAWATHA should also be getting close, suggest the step up in distance suits him also. DESPERADO the best of the locals.
Numbers: 4 – 6 – 1 – 5
Suggested Bet: QUANTUM CAT TO WIN (small bet).
RACE 5 Best Bet
KONASANA has also accepted at Doomben & at this stage there's no definite lead as to where she may head. Should it be here then at the odds on offer she's terrific value. Tried over distances last prep she clearly didn't appreciate that & kept to trips around this distance range will be her targets at this stage. She accounted for the very highly rated Scarlet Oak two back before pulling up lame the latest. Wide gate for KEEP YOUR COOL however she's lightly raced & very consistent. DEMIANA, DAKOTA VROOM chances should things pan out.
Numbers: 4 – 14 – 15 – 7
Suggested Bet: KONASANA TO WIN.
RACE 6
CONCELLO drops back in grade out of a Group 1 last start & prior to that ran 3rd in the Adrian Knox here behind Good Banter which was one of the form races of the autumn carnival. Would have to think that form line is better than anything else going around in this. PIGGYBACK closed off strongly behind Scarlet Oak who yes, won on her ear at Newcastle, love that form line though. Wide gate for BESTOWER however she can certainly find the line.
Numbers: 3 – 13 – 10 – 7
Suggested Bet: CONCELLO EACH-WAY.
RACE 7
Highly difficult race due to the abundant pace engaged, they can't all lead however many will be trying to! Surely something from off speed is a big chance to run over the top of them late, which one though? TESTATOR SILENS is big odds & on face value will find this too short, note he is unbeaten at this short trip though & from a decent draw might just be close enough to launch an attack in the straight. THE BLACK CLOUD & PASSEGGIATA will be well fancied & should things pan out will figure in the finish, ditto MOGO MAGIC who had put together 5 from 5 before the last start defeat in a feature race.
Numbers: 3 – 14 – 11 – 7
Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.
RACE 8Keen on the chances of RUBY FLYER here who although rises in grade drops plenty in weight. Good winning first up at Kembla he stayed at the same 1400m trip second up before rising to 1500m & running on the latest. Proven at 1600m from a low draw gets his chance however I want a decent price. IKNOWASTAR will again put himself into the race right from the get-go, he'll find this an easier task than his last couple, his record over the mile is impressive. Like what SIR LAWRENCE did first up & note he's unbeaten second up.
Numbers: 14 – 5 – 8 – 10
Suggested Bet: RUBY FLYER EACH-WAY ($5 or better).
RACE 9
Tough race. I'll lean to KUREDER who although takes on stronger opposition drops heavily in weight (5kg) & will be suited by the step up in distance. Just needs to be close enough which is the concern, it's the case with quite a few here though. POLITICAL DEBATE jumps to 60kg however did beat all bar Fawkner Park in the Wagga Cup, that one has admirers in tomorrow's Group 1 Doomben Cup. YOUTH SPIRIT & SPEYCASTER definitely in the mix.
Numbers: 12 – 2 – 3 – 7
Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.
RACE 10
STEP ASIDE gets the nod here. No surprise to see him well supported in early markets as his first up record is excellent & he has trialled well for his return. Suggest he'll continue to firm. DIAMOND DIESEL drops back from Listed company last start & although well up in the weights the claim helps offset that. STARMAN & GRACILISTYLA are consistent however they rarely win, both can figure in the placings though.
Numbers: 14 – 2 – 10 – 12
Suggested Bet: STEP ASIDE EACH-WAY.
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