Australian Racing: Wednesday 19 May 2021 – Randwick-Kensington

Race 4

BETHENCOURT has cracked pole position and finished fourth in his last start over six furlongs, two and a half lengths behind the winner. It must however be noted that he did not get the clearest of passages in the home straight that day, but still stayed on well over the closing stages of the contest. With better luck in running here, he should be right up there when they hit the line.

ACROPHOBIC had finished fourth in his two runs prior to ending up in eighth place in his last outing over seven furlongs, 4.2L back from the winner. That was in a Group 3 race where he tried to go from jump to wire. He takes on weaker company today and from his gate five, he could threaten the former for top honours.

KUTAYHA is seldom far off the action and finished fourth last time out over 1500M, 2.3L adrift of the victor when returning from a 19-week break. He was checked entering the straight that day and only got a clear run at the 200M mark, so did well to finish as close to the winner as he did. He jumps from draw seven and should be included in all bets.

Race 5

Today’s best bet, GREEN FLASH has consistent formlines to his name, having won on debut over six furlongs and then finishing second when having his third run last time out over this c&d, 1.3L behind the winner. He had nothing go his way that day, having been bumped shortly after the start and then having to be steadied off the heels of another runner at the 1000M pole. He then encountered traffic problems in the home straight and only saw daylight at the 200M mark, before finishing strongly. The form of that race has been franked and from his pole position, he could prove to be difficult to topple here.

TOO MUCH CAVIAR showed the expected improvement to win by 4.3L over seven furlongs at the second time of asking and clearly has some ability. He used front running tactics that day and dashed away from the opposition at the 300M mark to record a comfortable victory. He is drawn one outside the top choice and could emerge as his biggest danger.

ARCTIC THUNDER is a 3yr old filly taking on the boys, but she made good late progress when finishing third in her latest start over a mile, 2.2L off the winner, despite being friendless in the betting markets. She jumps from a wideish gate eight, but should nevertheless give the males a good run for their money.

Race 6

OLYMPIC LEGEND has won two of his last three runs, the latest over six furlongs by a short-head when returning from a 21-week rest. He had to be switched at the 220M mark that day but still ended off his race strongly. From his gate seven, he is taken to be the value bet on the day’s card.

Although NEW TYCOON is recorded as finishing fifth last time out over a mile, he was just under a length and a half behind the winner and the form of that race has stood up well with four runners out of that contest subsequently winning. He returns from a 24-week break but has had the benefit of two barrier trials, finishing third in the latest to showcase his well-being. He does face a wide draw eleven out of fourteen, but he seems likely to appreciate the drop in trip.

KATALIN is drawn one inside the latter and is a 4yr old filly taking on males. She was disappointing when finishing last in her latest outing over seven furlongs, 12.9L adrift of the winner, but she was discovered to be lame and had ruptured her pelvis and was immediately rested for a lengthy 62 weeks. She returns here after having had two barrier trials, finishing third in both to prove her fitness. The fact that her connections have brought her back into racing would seem to suggest that they believe that she still has something more to offer them.

Race 7

TIME FOR VICTORY had his consistency rewarded with a two-length victory last time out over 1100M. He went from gun to tape that day and kicked clear of the field at the 200M pole and then held off all the late challengers. He will have to overcome a wide draw thirteen, but he should use his early gate speed to move across without expending too much energy.

VISCACHA showed marked improvement to win his last start over six furlongs by a short-head. he jumped awkwardly that day but recovered well to finish strongly over the latter stages of the race. The colt has a slightly kinder draw nine and if confirming that last effort, he should make this presence felt in this line-up.

STOLTZ won his last outing over five furlongs notwithstanding the fact that he was slowly away and then bumped shortly after the start. He was returning from a 14-week rest that day and made smart late progress over the closing stages of that contest. He jumps from gate seven and should be involved in the finish.