Black Type racing returns to Sydney on Tuesday when Royal Randwick plays host to Australia Day Cup Day.
Capacity and talent-rich fields have been confirmed for almost all eight races on the cards, with the exception of the feature race; the Listed Australia Day Cup (2400m) which has drawn only six contestants.
2016 Australia Day Cup Day will get underway with the running of the McGrath Estate Agents Handicap at 1:20pm local time and will conclude with the running of the TAB.com.au Handicap at 5:40pm.
Race 1 No. 3 Unbiased – Win
The Randwick card opens with the running of the McGrath Estate Agents Handicap (1800m) for three-year-olds at 1:20pm local time. Only six runners remain in contention for the race and Godolphin entrant Unbiased represents terrific value for money at current $3.20 odds for success; currently figuring as sole occupant of the second line of betting. Posting a win and two minors through only four career starts, the Medaglia D’Oro colt has continued to quickly build to the task this time; running fourth in a Kembla Grange minor over 1400m, third in the In With The New Year Handicap (1600m) before placing second in the Cellarbrations BM66 (1900) just under a fortnight ago. Confirmed to be partnered by James McDonald and allocated the rails, Unbiased is weighted well at 57.5kgs.
Race 4 No. 4 Kangarilla Joy – Win
Peter and Paul Snowden have a big opinion of three-year-old Kangarilla Joy and the filly is sure to prove hard to beat in race 4 at Randwick on Saturday; the TAB Rewards Handicap (1100m). Debuting for an impressive win over a talented field in the Pro Ride Maiden Handicap (1100m) in August, the daughter of Lonhro was unable to make an impact in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) but returned this time for success in the Schweppes BM68 (1100m) on January 2nd. Leading hoop Blake Shinn will take the ride on Kangarilla Joy on Tuesday who will carry a very-manageable 56.5kgs.
Race 7 No. 18 Rock Temple – Each Way
Rock Temple is yet to be assured a run in the Pro-Ride Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Tuesday but is the next point of call should one more runner be scratched from the capacity field of 14. A strong and consistent performer for Chris Waller in winning two of 23 starts and finishing in the minors a further ten times, the Fastnet Rock gelding ran on for third amongst talented company in a Canterbury minor over 1200m first-up a fortnight ago and is well worth consideration for a small each-way bet at current odds should he gain a start.
Race 8 No. 10 Vitello – Each Way
Vitello is undoubtedly up to the class of the capacity field of Race 8 at Randwick on Australia Day but lines up first-up in something of an awkward draw; barrier 12. Posting three wins and six minors through fourteen career starts so far, the Snitzel gelding has not been seen at the races for more than a year, but has trialled particularly well in the lead-up top to his competitive return and is sure to be given a gem of a ride by leading Sydney hoop Hugh Bowman.