ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 3 # 8 – Territory Express
He is flying this preparation, and both of his runs this campaign have had merit in high-rating races. The gelding savaged the line first-up to win at Kembla Grange, and he should've won last start at Rosehill in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) when producing a career peak figure. Further, he was checked/blocked at critical stages and flashed home to finish second, clocking some of the meeting's fastest closing splits. He is a line chaser who will appreciate the anticipated genuine tempo, and with even luck, he has the superior closing speed to charge over the top of his rivals.
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 8 # 8 – Via Sistina
She was ultra-impressive in her Australian debut, winning the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), and always looked in control. The import had the race shape against but picked her rivals up quickly, running the fastest final 400m split of the meeting and was eased down late. Her overseas profile suggests she can sprint off slow/fast tempos, maps to have all favours, and all key indicators suggest she can only step off her last-start performance from a figures perspective.
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 6 # 1 – Orchestral
The NZ filly started a rock-solid $1.60 favourite last start in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), and her effort to win was strong. She was dropping back in distance after bolting in to win the NZ Derby (2400m), but her late strength had merit. Further, when James McDonald changed whip hands, she exploded to score with Punter's Intelligence recording that she ran one of the fastest final 200m splits of the meeting in 11.40. She has class, key attributes and hard to see her rivals turning the tables on her.
NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 6 # 2 – Empress Of Wonder
She was resuming off a 389-day break at Wyong 24 days ago, and her run had merit after drifting in the market, suggesting she would improve from the run. The filly wasn't suited to the pace of the race, and she had to make a long-sustained run with the tight-turning track not suiting her. Further, she clocked one of the fastest final 200m splits, running on for third, and she can only step off that performance. The bigger track suits, she receives a significant barrier change, allowing her to settle closer, and she has a dominant ratings profile.
