Randwick Guineas 2018 race preview

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Mar 09, 2018 01:36 AM
Steve Hart
Author: James Beeson

Tagged: Randwick

Bluebloods on the classics path

The Randwick Guineas has thrown up a typical high class field of exceptionally bred three-year-olds, all looking to stretch out over the famous “Randwick Mile”. Some will fall away but for those who run through the line, ATC Derby glory will be the ultimate target, and the dream will start for some owners of a possible tilt at the cups in years to come. A good blend of quality thoroughbreds have accepted including the local class of the Sydney brigade, pitted against the Melbourne hopes, throw in the Kiwi raider and it all makes for an interesting spectacle.

Race Track Traits

Randwick is currently rated a Soft 7 with the rail out 6 meters from the 1600m mark. There has been a slight bias in recent weeks favouring those coming down the centre of the track, with the rail perceived as inferior ground. A close watch is recommended to see if jockeys are looking for a preferred lane on Saturday.

Market Movers

Favourite Kementari has been easy after opening at $2.50 and drifting to $2.80. Good support for Peaceful State who is $11 into $8, with a small trim up on D’argento $5 into $4.60.

Key Runners

#1 Ace High $14

Highly talented 3yo who has impressed in both runs this prep. Huge run first-up in the Expressway over the unsuitable 1200m, where he ran on late to post outstanding final sectionals that had everyone talking. He is on an ATC derby path and this would appear to be a touch too short, however the lead up runs have been good enough for him to be a great chance here. Is over the odds at $14.

#2 Trapeze Artist $9 > $8

Backed off the map in the Expressway and won accordingly, then market got it right again second-up in the Hobartville, where he drifted out late in betting before disappointing to run fourth. They are trying to stretch him out here as he gets to the mile for the first time. Trust the team know what they are doing but the market is not convinced and has him priced accordingly. Will be right in the finish provided he handles the extra lactic acid build up!

#3 Kementari $2.50 > $2.80

Boom Godolphin colt by superstar sire Lonhro. Absolutely brained them first-up in the Eskimo Prince and then came out and did it again in the Hobartville. The decision to ride him forward last start stunned everyone and they may decide to be close to speed again in this, after drawing in gate 4. Will get every chance with Schofield aboard and could not have been more impressive winning first two, but is he as dynamic third-up, ridden on speed? No doubt he is a leading chance, however has come up slightly under the odds after opening here at $2.50.

#5 Pierata $7

After a six week freshen up, kicked off his Sydney campaign in the Hobartville, where it took a high quality one in Kementari to beat him. Loved his win on the Gold Coast in the Magic Millions Guineas and considering the way he raced last start, he will simply eat up this Randwick mile. Goes on top.

#7 Peaceful State $11 > $8

Australian Guineas runner up from last week, who has ventured north here. Was a great run there and will be rock hard fit coming into this. Gets blinkers for the first time and has the famous Darren Weir polish. The Melbourne form is generally weaker at this time of year but has had the Group 1 run over 1600m and deserves to take his place in this.

#10 D'argento $5 > $4.60

Has been crying out for a mile plus and finally gets it here. First two runs have been enormous where in both he has settled back in the field and unleashed a withering burst late. From gate 14 will be following a similar pattern again and if there is a solid tempo up front, will be the one punters would like to be on. Some doubt over whether they will go quick enough for him.

Of the others….

The Kiwis seem to always bring a good horse over for our autumn and they have Age Of Fire here. Is already a Group 1 winner in New Zealand and they don’t come unless they are showing plenty. Could be the blowout.