The Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes headlines another outstanding ten-race card at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The rail will be set out four metres around the entire course and at publish, we’re faced with a track rated in the Soft (6) range.
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Race 1 – 11:40AM – Highway Handicap, (1200m)
There are several winning chances engaged in this week’s Highway race, including Rari.
Rari has returned some nice effort, largely north of the border this time, and he recorded a lovely win at Doomben two starts back before finishing sixth in the Murwillumbah Newmarket last time.
He is at peak fitness and his best would be good enough to see him into the finish of something like this.
Race 2 – 12:15PM – Vale Nini Vascotto, (1100m)
She needed the run when finishing at the tail of the field at Kembla Grange last month, but I’m confident that Stolen Jade will enjoy plenty of improvement into this race, and we can have an each-way play at the price.
The So You Think mare was nothing short of outstanding over summer, and she won four races in succession before ending her prep at the Magic Millions.
I like that she has been back to the trials since her resuming effort, and she does have a class edge over a lot of these.
Race 3 – 12:50pm – Midway Handicap, (1800m)
I’m happy to stick with Bazooka as he returns to Saturday metropolitan company.
Bazooka has been a strong and consistent performer for David Payne since resuming, but it is fair to say that he has also improved noticeably with each effort.
He was stepped back in class at Hawkesbury on Rowley Mile Day last time and the decision paid dividends when he recorded a soft win.
He’s rock-hard fit, and while drawn awkwardly, I think that the booking of Josh Parr is ideal.
Race 4 – 1:25pm – Cleanaway Handicap, (1300m)
Construct takes his place in Race 4 at Randwick on Saturday off the back of an impressive run in Group 3 company, and he looks well placed to strike.
The I Am Invincible colt scored a smart win at Kembla Grange two starts back, and he kept all of his best work for late when third, beaten just over a head by Tiger Of Malayt in the Up And Coming Stakes last time.
He steps out alongside some seasoned gallopers this week, but I still think that dropping in class, he’s the one to beat.
Race 5 – 2:00pm – Group 3 Concorde Stakes, (1000m)
This is an outstanding edition of the Concorde Stakes and Nature Strip has opened a $1.45 favourite.
Given the depth of talent engaged, I am actually eager to take him on at the price, and I think that Wild Ruler is the one to do the job for us.
Wild Ruler has been a good horse for the Snowdens since making his debut, and he recorded two wins from four starts during his autumn prep this year, highlighted by his performance in the Arrowfield Stakes.
The Snitzel entire has reportedly flourished in his time away from the track and I am more than happy to take the $5.50 that is available at publish.
Race 6 – 2:35pm – Group 2 Furious Stakes, (1200m)
The Princess Series continues with another talent-rich edition of the Furious Stakes, and despite her drawing of barrier 15, I think that Four Moves Ahead is ready to win.
Four Moves Ahead was nothing short of outstanding during her two-year-old prep, winning her first two starts and going to the paddock after running fourth in both the Golden Slipper and the Inglis Sires’.
She charged home into third when resuming in the Silver Shadow a fortnight ago, and she’ll take big improvement into this race.
Race 7 – 3:10pm – Group 2 Tramway Stakes, (1400m)
It’s all about the return of Zaaki in this year’s Tramway Stakes, and I am more than happy to follow the favourite.
Zaaki was a star during his first Australian preparation, and ended his campaign with three-consecutive wins, highlighted by his breathtaking performance in the Doomben Cup.
He has been set for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate this time, and given that James McDonald has elected to partner him instead of Verry Elleegant in that race, I think it speaks volumes of his opinion.
Race 8 – 3:50pm – Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, (1600m)
Champion miler Cascadian gets back to his trip in this year’s Chelmsford Stakes, and I think he’ll be winning.
The New Approach gelding went to another level last preparation, winning the Doncaster Mile and ending his campaign third in the All Aged Stakes.
He flashed home into fifth in the Winx Stakes here a fortnight ago, beaten less than half a length by Mo’unga, and I’m confident that run will have brought him right on.
Race 9 – 4:30pm – ACY Securities Handicap, (1200m)
This is one of the more open races on the Chelmsford Stakes Day card and at publish, we’re faced with around $6 the field.
I am a big fan of Lancaster Bomber, and I am keen to have an each-way play at a big price this week.
Lancaster Bomber is as tough as they come, and while he is yet to salute in four starts back this time, he is also yet to race poorly, and he takes his place in this field off the back of a close second behind Destination in a similar contest.
Race 10 – 5:10pm – Sharp Extensive It Handicap, (1500m)
Atishu can win the last on Chelmsford Stakes Day.
The Savabeel mare ended her final New Zealand prep with four-consecutive wins, highlighted by two impressive performances in Listed company, and she picked up where she left off with an easy win in a similar race here a fortnight ago.
With improvement and getting slightly further out in trip, I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.