Saturday racing best bets for The Championships Day 2

The Randwick track is currently rated a Good 4 for the second day of the Championships, with sunshine forecast for the remainder of the week. With the rail out 3m the entire circuit, expect a slight bias to those running on the pace.

 

The Australia Oaks

The Grand Final for these three-year-old fillies, with the majority of the main contenders coming through the Vinery Stud Stakes a fortnight ago. Aloisia was brave in that race after being caught three wide no cover before finishing off well, whilst Hiyaam got it all her own way out front to make every post a winner.

Considering how the Vinery Stud was run, Unforgotten ran well from the back of the field and is a deserved favourite leading into this one. The New Zealand Oaks winner Savvy Coup comes across the Tasman and with the right run, can give this a shake. Then there is Luvaluva who is on the quick back-up from last week’s Adrian Knox, so fitness won’t be an issue. She is going to love the step-up in distance and can sustain a long run into the straight.  

 

The Sydney Cup

Almandin is coming off an impressive victory in the Tancred and starts a clear favourite here, but it’s the weight difference which may be the telling tale in this race. Who Shot TheBarman was very impressive last start in the same race, as was Auvray and Single Gaze.

There will be plenty of foreign flavour in the contest as Five To Midnight brings some Auckland Cup form into the race, whilst Japanese stayer Pre Stwick will have his first run on Aussie soil. Aloft is a lightly raced six-year-old who will be well suited to the 3200m carrying 51kg and he could prove a thorn in side of stablemate Almandin.

 

Coolmore Stakes

Many of these fillies and mares have eyed each other off on multiple occasions already this Autumn campaign. Stablemates Daysee Doom and Dixie Blossoms have drawn very awkwardly, whilst Foxplay is back to defend her crown from last year after a nice run in the Emancipation Stakes. Prompt Response was tough as nails last start and is ready to fire again.

Victorian runners have a strong hand in this race with Silent Sedition, Oregon’s Day and Spanish Reef set to be very competitive in this. Given the lead-up runs of all runners, expect to see a very competitive finish. 

 

Best bets

The selections below are three of my best bets for the day, including my best each-way play. If you would like to see all of my best bets for Saturday's meet at Randwick, you can access them here.

 

Race 6 #5 Luvaluva $5.00 

She will be rock hard fit on the quick back-up from last week and the distance will be no issue here. The wide barrier should prove no concern given her race pattern is to get back and trainer John Sargent has had her set for this one.

 

Race 8 #1 Almandin $4.00

He is in form and is the class runner of this field. He carries the top weight here which is not ideal, however it’s well deserved. There won’t be any issue with the distance or the barrier and with a well-timed Damien Oliver to ride, he should be winning this.

 

Race 9 #5 Silent Sedition $7.50 (Each Way)

Wasn’t far away in the Coolmore Classic before she was freshened up with a trial in between. Whilst the others have toiled away against each other their entire preparation, this mare has been kept away for this run. Craig Williams retains the ride, and with the lack of pace drawn inside, barrier ten shouldn’t pose an issue.

Follow @joshuareed22