Randwick hosts a 10-race program on Saturday for Spring Champion Stakes Day, with five stakes races on the card. The track is rated a Good 4 and the rail is out 6m. Showers are forecast throughout the week, so it will be worth monitoring the track conditions.
The Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes headlines the meeting, alongside the Group 2 The Invitation and Group 2 Craven Plate. Lindermann is chasing a third consecutive Craven Plate win, while the Group 3 Callander-Presnell and Listed Crowley Stakes round out the stakes program. The Five Diamonds Prelude is another highlight.
Our race analysis covers the speed map, key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities across the card. Read on as we assess the key chances and uncover our plays for the meeting.
Our race analysis covers the speed map, key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities across the card. Read on as we assess the key chances and uncover our plays for the meeting.
TOUR DE FORCE (8) makes his debut after a typical Chris Waller-trained trial.
The I Am Invincible colt settled towards the tail before working strongly to the line under his own steam, finishing 3.72 lengths third to Royal Accord, whom he meets again here.
He clearly had more to offer, which is encouraging.
Nash Rawiller can use barrier one to advantage and settle in a prominent position.
| 8. Tour De Force (1) 56.5kg |
Can you feel the tension? Matt Dunn is chasing another Highway Handicap win with BLUISH HUE (4).
The Murwillumbah trainer knows the right horse to bring to Sydney, and the Flying Artie gelding showed why last start. Despite racing wide, back and ungenerously, he let down powerfully to win the 1500m Rosehill contest.
He had been in excellent form before that, with three consecutive runner-up finishes.
Dunn’s go-to rider, Nash Rawiller, retains the ride and should give his mount every chance from the low draw.
| 4. Bluish Hue (2) 57.5kgx2221 |
SMOKE ‘N’ DARTS (12) returned in great order over 1000m at Kembla Grange last start, scoring a strong win.
The Blake Ryan-trained gelding enjoyed a nice run before bursting through when the split came to win by a head.
He’ll strip fitter second-up and should appreciate the rise to six furlongs.
The son of North Pacific has never finished outside the quinella in five starts and maps to enjoy a good run on speed.
| 12. Smoke ‘N’ Darts (4) 56.5kg221×1 |
CIARON’S STAR (5) looks well placed under the set-weight conditions of the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly resumed in the Group 3 Heritage Stakes, where she worked well to the line after being held up, finishing 2.2 lengths second to Blue Door.
A trial win since that run should have brought her along nicely. She also won her only previous second-up start, over 1100m at this track.
There looks to be good speed in the race, which should suit. Jason Collett can settle off them before charging late.
| 5. Ciaron’s Star (3) 54kg643×2 |
WHY SO HARD (4) won on debut over 1100m at this track and showed plenty of fight on his return in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes.
The Team Hawkes-trained gelding was near the back and had an unclear path, but still hit the line hard to finish 1.63 lengths third to Satono Glow.
The rise from 1200m to 1600m is a big ask, although he should strip fitter second-up. His closing effort last start gives reason to think the extra trip can suit.
Tyler Schiller may be able to put him closer with limited speed engaged.
| 4. Why So Hard (5) 57kg1×3 |
LINDERMANN (1) will appreciate the slight drop in distance after leading the Group 2 Hill Stakes until the shadows of the post, when he was picked off by Attrition.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding is undefeated over this course and distance, with both wins coming in this race over the past two years.
Last year, he jumped straight to the front before dashing clear to win by 2.12 lengths.
Nash Rawiller can control the tempo against this field, and Lindermann should prove hard to run down.
| 1. Lindermann (6) 59kgx9182 |
GLOBAL GOAL (8) caught the eye when returning in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes, storming home from the back to finish 1.14 lengths third.
The John Sargent-trained filly stepped up to a mile in the Group 1 Flight Stakes and handled it beautifully, getting home over the top of her rivals to win by a neck.
She’s at peak fitness, and the rise to 2000m looks well within her wheelhouse.
Dylan Gibbons should be able to give her an economical run from the good barrier.
| 8. Global Goal (3) 54.5kg1×331 |
LAZZURA (1) showed she was in good order when resuming in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes, closing strongly to grab third, beaten just over half a length.
The Chris Waller-trained mare continued her superb second-up record last start in the Group 2 Golden Pendant, where she had the measure of her rivals.
The Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner has a good record over this distance, with two wins and two placings from five starts. One of those placings came third-up last preparation in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes.
She’s drawn awkwardly, but Tommy Berry should be able to slide across and find a prominent position.
| 1. Lazzura (10) 59kg12×31 |
LINEBACKER (1) improved second-up in the Group 3 Alan Brown Stakes, charging through the pack to finish a length third.
The O’Shea and Charlton-trained gelding arguably should have challenged closer, given he didn’t have the clearest path.
He’ll have come on nicely and, third-up in a previous campaign, defeated Sheza Alibi and Autumn Boy to win the Group 1 Randwick Guineas.
He’s drawn well for Zac Lloyd, who should be able to settle on speed and give him a sweet run.
| 1. Linebacker (2) 59.5kg30×43 |
ESTADIO MESTALLA (1) has 61kg to carry, but he’s dropping considerably in class.
The Joe Pride-trained gelding was no match for Skyhook two starts ago in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes, but worked home well to finish 2.9 lengths second.
He was very good last start in the Group 3 Alan Brown Stakes, settling well back before running on strongly along the fence to finish a neck second.
The rise to a mile suits, and with Nash Rawiller aboard, he should settle closer in the run.
| 1. Estadio Mestalla (2) 61kg0x922 |
Ladbrokes Flex Multi
With so many key spring races taking place in Sydney on Spring Champion Stakes Day, why not take advantage of the new Ladbrokes Flex Multi!
Turn on ‘Flex’ at the top of your Bet Slip, review the potential juicy payout if all runners salute, but take the pressure off with Flex.
That’s right, your Multi stays alive and you get paid even if 1 or 2 legs miss.
Here’s one I prepared earlier with my tips!
