Australian Racing: Saturday 24 April 2021 – Royal Randwick

Best Bet: LOST AND RUNNING (Race 9)

Value Bet: STARSPANGLED RODEO (Race 8)

Jackpot (race 5 – 8)

Leg 1: 2, 1, 3
Leg 2: 2, 10, 1
Leg 3: 9, 14, 6
Leg 4: 2, 12

Cost: R54.00

Race 6.

HILAL is seldom far off the action and finished second in a Group 1 event over seven furlongs last time out, 2.8L behind the winner, this despite coming the widest of them all into the home straight and becoming unbalanced at the 350M mark. From his handy draw four, he could be the one to side with here. He renews his rivalry with CAPTIVANT who finished a head behind him in the race referred to above. The latter also came wide into the straight and was unbalanced at the same 350M pole that day, but was making good late progress over the closing stages. However, as the pair meet on the same weight terms today, the latter may have to settle for the same result. He is however drawn in pole position and all things considered, there should not be much separating the two when they hit the line. CONVERGE had his consistency rewarded with a 1.3L victory last time out over this trip. He was bumped shortly after the start, but recovered well to hit the front at the 250M mark and then go on to draw clear of the chasing pack. He has gate three and should complete the trifecta.

Race 7.

MASKED CRUSADER followed up his penultimate run victory over six furlongs with a second place finish in a Group 1 race over the same distance next time out, two lengths back from the winner. The gelding had to be held up between the 300M and 200M mark that day, but once he was switched out for a run, he finished off his race strongly. He will have to negotiate gate twelve out of thirteen, but is likely to be dropped out it in the early stages and then start picking off the frontrunner over the latter stages of the contest. SAVATIANO is a 6yr old mare taking on the boys, but she completed her hat-trick over a variety of different distances, the latest when winning her last outing in a Group 1 event over 1300M by a short-head. She came three wide into the turn that day which makes the win that much more encouraging. From her kinder draw six, she should give the males a good run for their money. KOLDING had finished close up to the winner in his last three runs prior to ending up in tenth spot last time out in a Group 1 race over 1500M, nearly five lengths adrift of the winner. It should however be noted that he was bumped shortly after the start that day and was staying on well at the business end of affairs. From an even better draw three, he should be included in all bets.

Race 8.

The day’s value bet, STARSPANGLED RODEO had finished second in his two runs prior to winning his last start over seven furlongs by a head. He went from jump to wire that day and held off all challengers over the closing stages. He jumps from gate five and may prove to be difficult to reel in over the closing stages of the contest. NUDGE is a 4yr old filly taking on males, but she has finished closer to the winner in her last three outings, the latest when making good late progress to end up in third place over seven furlongs, 0.7L off the winner. She is drawn one inside the top choice and has her peak run after returning from a 22 week rest. PHAISTOS returns from a shorter 16 week rest and has had the benefit of two barrier trials, finishing third in the latest. He raced up with the pace when finishing third in his latest outing over eleven furlongs, just a half length behind the winner. He takes a big drop in distance, but may well do better as a result.

Race 9.

LOST AND RUNNING has cracked pole position and missed out on his hat-trick when finishing second in his latest start over 1100M, beaten by a short-head in the shadow of the post. He has had just five runs to date, recording four wins and that second place finish last time out. Given that he was crowed shortly after the start that day, he could well have come into this race unbeaten. As such, he is taken to be the best bet on the day’s card. Two 4yr old fillies could chase him home, with the slight preference going to SALINA DREAMING who has won three of her last four starts, the latest by three lengths over 1100M when returning from a 12 week absence. She hit the front at the 300M mark that day and the result was never in doubt from that point. She looks the immediate danger to the top pick. MORE PROPHETS has posted a record of third, second and victory last time out in her last three outings, the latest over seven furlongs when winning by four and a half lengths. She has her first run after a 12 week rest, but did finish third in her only barrier trial to showcase her well-being. She faces draw seven, but she should be involved in the finish.