We’re back to the Kensington course at Randwick this Wednesday, July 29th and another seven races will be contested.
The track remains in the Soft (6) range at publish, though upgrades are expected, while the rail will be left in the true position for this meeting.
Read on for this week’s Randwick-Kensington best bets.
I’m happy to give CLAUDEL one more chance at Randwick-Kensington this week.
Claudel has shown ability since before her competitive debut and incredibly, in four starts since debuting, has finished the runner up on every occasion.
She steps out this week in peak order, she’s drawn ideally under Nash and she is ready to go one better.
| 2. Claudel (4) J: Nash Rawiller 59kg 2222T: Chris Waller | |||
| Recent form sound. Last start 2nd of 7 at Warwick Farm Super Mdn on July 15 over 1400m, slow going 1.2 len behind Saloon Passage with 58kg at $3.10. The start before that raced on speed throughout when 2nd of 10 at this track Super 3yo Mdn-Sw on July 1 over 1150m, in the wet; 3 len behind Ready Forcocktails carrying 55kg at $4.60. Not far away last start. Must win one sooner or later. | |||
ELLE HUDSON takes winning form into another winnable race in Sydney on Wednesday.
He has mixed his form this time in, but after working home to finish on the placegetters’ heels at Rosehill two starts back, Elle Hudson returned to the winner’s stall dropping back in class at Newcastle last time out.
There’s no doubting his condition this week, and this looks a great opportunity for him to successfully transition back into metro company.
| 1. Elle Hudson (2) J: Sam Clipperton 58.5kg 72741T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Most recently favourite; won by 1.1 len at Newcastle Bm64 July 14 over 2200m on a rain affected track defeating Alnair with 60kg at $2.70. The start before that 4th of 13 at Rosehill Bm78 on June 27 over 1800m, slow going 2.75 len behind Sacrify with 52.5kg at $8. Not much depth to this race so another big run is on the cards. | |||
EVICTION NOTICE is second up off a credible performance at Warwick Farm.
Sent off a key chance in the market at Warwick Farm earlier this month, Eviction Notice produced a smart performance but was ultimately forced to settle for second by a very impressive Castillo King.
On exposed form, there doesn’t look to be a horse of that ability engaged this week, and with the benefit of that run under his belt, I’m expecting Eviction Notice to prove extremely difficult to toss this time.
| 8. Eviction Notice (5) J: Tim Clark 56kg 327×2T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months rolled along in front before being edged out 2nd of 9 at Warwick Farm 2yo C&G Mdn-Sw on July 15 over 1100m, slow going 3 len behind Castillo King with 56kg at $2.60. Previously second-up 2nd of 9 at Rosehill in the G2 Silver Slp on February 21 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Stretan Ruler with 56.5kg at $31. Progressive youngster who will be tough to catch with that run under the belt. | |||
CONCORDIA WIND can bounce back at Randwick-Kensington this week.
Her latest run, albeit stepping up in grade and into a strong Saturday metro contest did leave a little to be desired, but Concordia Wind was building a nice record this time in prior, including a sharp win at Warwick Farm two starts back.
In peak order this week, she gets the services of James McDonald from a perfect barrier.
| 1. Concordia Wind (5) J: James McDonald 61.5kg x2418T: Chris Waller | |||
| Most recently 8th of 12 at Randwick Bm78 on July 11 over 1600m, in the wet; 5 len behind Cold Brew with 53.5kg at $6. Before that ran on from midfield and won by 0.6 len at Warwick Farm Bm72 June 24 over 1600m defeating Trapalanda carrying 55.5kg at $6. Worth another try back at midweek level. | |||
CHAMPAGNE HERO is third up and primed to strike at Randwick-Kensington.
The Maurice gelding dusted off the cobwebs when finishing down the order behind the likes of High Blue Sea first up from a spell but took good improvement into a near miss behind Iceman in a similar race last time out.
Fitter third up this week, Tim Clark can settle him up on or near the speed again from the rails draw before calling on his turn of speed late.
| 4. Champagne Hero (1) J: Tim Clark 58.5kg 05×82T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Third-up today. First-up 8th of 12 at Warwick Farm Cg&E Bm72 on June 24 over 1300m, 2 len behind High Blue Sea with 56kg at $7. Second run from a spell made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 10 at Warwick Farm Cg&E Bm72 on July 15 over 1600m, head behind Iceman with 56kg at $3.30. Heading the right way and this looks an ideal assignment. | |||
RANTAN looks well grades at Randwick-Kensington this week, in my opinion.
She’s yet to strike in six runs back from a break, but Rantan has still turned in several competitive performances and finished just over a length behind Ice Kool at Randwick last time out.
In peak condition this week, back to the midweek and sticking to the 1000m trip, she’ll get some relief in the weights under Mollie Fitzgerald and could receive the run of the race from barrier 5.
| 5. Rantan (5) J: Mollie Fitzgerald 59kg 34405T: Ron Quinton | |||
| Comes off a 39 day let-up. Most recently 5th of 13 at Randwick Bm78 on June 20 over 1000m, on a slow track; 1.2 len behind Ice Kool carrying 55kg at $51. The start before that 11th of 13 at Randwick Bm78 on June 6 over 1000m, slow going 6 len behind Ice Kool carrying 55kg at $41. Big chance back in midweek company. | |||
As has often been the case recently, the final race on the program in Sydney on Wednesday shapes as the most open, and the toughest way home from a betting perspective.
That said, one that has caught my eye at a genuine price is STEEL STRIKE second up from a spell ($9 at publish).
Having settled off the pace at Canterbury when resuming, Steel Strike mustered a good turn of foot to fill the minors, just running out of ground to catch the leaders.
With natural improvement, he’ll likely settle off the pace again from a wide alley this week but does get a slight rise in trip, and with a clear crack at them late, he certainly looks up to the grade.
| 6. Steel Strike (15) J: Zac Wadick 59.5kg 336×3T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months sat on speed throughout when 3rd of 9 at Canterbury Bm72 on July 8 over 1250m, on rain affected going; 2 len behind Astronomix with 59.5kg at $3.80. Back in good shape and is a big chance to go a couple better with a bit of luck from the wide gate. | |||