The Apollo Stakes has attracted a number of popular Group 1 performers, including a grand old campaigner in Happy Clapper and the classy Godolphin mare Alizee.
The track conditions are sure to play a factor here, with more rain predicted at Randwick on what is already rated a Heavy 8 surface.
I am with one who should receive a very soft run out in front and prove extremely hard to run down.
Randwick Track Traits
The Randwick surface is currently rated a Heavy 8, with the rail out 6m for the entire circuit.
Rain is predicted to fall in Sydney for the remainder of the week and on Saturday.
The Randwick racing surface can play unevenly when rain affected, so punters should keep a close watch on the early races to determine any fast lanes or bias.
Racing Market Movers
Race favourite Alizee has firmed slightly from $3.00 into 2.90, whilst second pick Dreamforce is on the drift out to $3.50 from $3.30.
All other runners remain steady.
Key Runners
#1 Happy Clapper $5.00
Is a grand old campaigner, who always puts in and has an impressive first-up record (13:4-4-1).
He is asked to carry plenty of weight here (59 kg) and is possibly on the way down from his best form now.
Expect him to be well found by the mug punter and expect poor value on the tote. Prefer others.
#2 Dreamforce $3.30 > $3.50
Loves to lead and dictate and should have every opportunity to do that here, from gate 6 in the small field.
I expect he is cherry ripe for this, after two strong Randwick trial wins.
With a generous speed map and only a moderate tempo predicted, he could simply race away off the front. Goes on top.
#4 Life Less Ordinary $21
Has a crucial Heavy track win from one attempt on severely rain affected ground, therefore he should enjoy these conditions.
He has not been too far off the winner at his past two, both in Group 1 grade and can run well first-up.
Could easily be the forgotten horse here and looks big odds at the current quote. Yes.
#7 Glenall $26
Certainly has a healthy fitness edge on most of these, which could be crucial in the testing Heavy track conditions.
The speed map is not ideal and from gate 9, the rider will be forced to push forward and risks being trapped wide throughout.
Even with residual fitness, I expect he is a shade below a few of these on class. No.
#8 Alizee $3.00 > $2.90
Is dripping in class and was expected to win here first-up, when she was smashed late in betting ($2.10 into $1.90) before finishing 2 of 7.
The step-up in distance to 1400m is perfect and on this occasion, she should have time to reel in the leader.
She must be going very well at home and the short price last time is hard to ignore. Top hope.
#9 Verry Elleegant $6.00
Loves it wet (8:6-1-0) and will almost certainly get those preferred conditions at Randwick on Saturday.
She has a touch of quality and has been readied for this, with two trial hit outs.
The market will tell us late if she is forward enough, and I am happy to gamble that she is. Leading fancy.
#10 Danzdanzdance $14
Has struggled in the big Sydney Group 1 races and again appears outclassed in this.
She is most likely to be looking for more ground later in the preparation, however a wet track is in her favour here. Watch betting
Randwick Track Traits 
Racing Market Movers
Key Runners
Best Racing Tips
