Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts

R&S Contributing Editor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow’s Sydney racing.

SELECTIONS

Randwick Race 2 - 10 Just Shine

Lightly-raced former Kiwi has won three of his five starts since landing in the Sydney stable of talented trainer Clare Cunningham including his last two over 1600m at Newcastle and 1900m at Canterbury (soft track) that brings him into this race with perfect timing at his fourth run since resuming.

Badly held up before he surged to the line when clear late for a soft win at Canterbury and the step to 2000m should be ideal given that he won over the trip at Hawkesbury before his spell. Holds ample scope for further improvement.

Randwick Race 8 - 5 Raiment

Quality mare was out of luck at her first run for nine months when blocked for running at a vital stage before finishing close third in the G3 Triscay Stakes over 1200m at this course on February 17.

Boasts an excellent record at Randwick including a big win over this course and distance on an affected track last April and her resuming effort indicates she is again close to that form. Hard to beat with expected improvement from her first-up placing.

Randwick Race 9 - 8 Generalissimo

Proven black type performer is well placed to improve off his eye-catching first-up fourth over 1200m in this class at Randwick on February 17 when he would have gone close with better luck in running.

Trialled well leading into that run – his first for 10 months - and worth noting he was placed second-up in the G3 Eskimo Prince over this course and distance in that last campaign. That’s strong form for this company and he’s certain to be fitter. Soft ground will be a bonus.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 24 February (Horses to follow at their next three starts)

Alward - Luckless return. Good stayer.

She Knows - Game after a tough run. Plenty of scope for improvement.

D’Argento - Big talent with a big show in the Guineas races.

Mr So And So - Strong effort from the back. Should stay.

Palazzo Vecchio - Top prospect for longer fillies races.

Humidor - Nice prep for his Sydney targets.

Recent Blackbook winners - Fiesta; Peaceful State; Epic Rant; Fickle Folly; Kementari; Outrageous; Endless Drama; El Rada; Kopi Luwak; Overshare; More Energy; Lofty’s Menu; Reach For Heaven.

ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 3/4 March

Randwick (Sat) - Prized Icon (R6), Touch Of Mink (R7), Slightly Sweet (R8) and Generalissimo (R9)

Flemington (Sat) - Khartoum (R5), Mahalangur (R5/7), Muraaqeb (R7), Main Stage (R7) and Bring Me Roses (R7)

Doomben (Sat) - Pinch Passion (R2) and Oink (R8)

Wangaratta (Sun) - Lady Lee (R4)

Sunshine Coast (Sun) - Invincible Express (R5) and Umberto (R5)

Chris’ final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.