Royal Randwick plays host to a cracking day of racing on Saturday, with the Group 1 George Main Stakes taking centre stage.
The Group 2 Shorts is one of a string of quality supporting acts to the main feature event, on a day full of value for punters.
What a time to be alive! Spring is in the air and the topliners are up and about.
Track Conditions
The Randwick track is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail in the true position.
There are some light showers forecast for Sydney in the lead up to race day, but it shouldn't impact racing conditions.
With the rail situated in the true position, punters should expect the track to play fair throughout the day.
Randwick Race 6 - George Main Stakes 1600m (Group 1)
The Map
Dreamforce (1) is the likely leader in this year's George Main Stakes, and whether he has any company up front depends on rival stable tactics.
Look for Colette (4) to head into a prominent role and I expect Chris Waller to send Kolding (7) forward from the wide barrier.
Star of the Seas (3) will be behind them, with Imaging (5), Verry Elleegant (2) and Avilius (6) settling at the tail of the field.
The Favourite
Verry Elleegant has opened $2.30 and looks the one to beat once again following her first-up run.
She was very impressive in the Winx Stakes, after she flew late to take victory in the shadows of the post.
The gun mare has a 50% second-up record off four starts, she loves running at Randwick (8:3-2-0) and retains the services of James McDonald.
If there are any knocks, she's yet to taste victory over a mile despite getting close last preparation and her record isn't flash on a Good track (8:1-2-1).
Analysis and Tips
Star of the Seas $9.00is my play for the race.
He's primed and ready to finally get that elusive Group One scalp, having finished in the placings on 3 of his 5 previous attempts.
He's had a nice tick-over trial since his impressive runner-up finish in the Winx Stakes, which will have him ready to go second-up.
The gelding is proven second-up (5:1-1-1), at the mile (5:1-1-2) and at the track/distance (3:1-1-1).
He maps to get a nice run throughout the race which will allow him to finish off with some fast sectionals.
Randwick Race 7 - The Shorts 1100m (Group 2)
The Map
This is a HOT HOT HOT race when it comes to speed.
You have Greyworm (6), Ball of Muscle (8) and Eduardo (9) all going forward, with the likes of Bivouac (12), Catalyst (1) and Splintex (11) to also apply early pressure.
Expect the rapid tempo to set the race up nicely for run-on types such as Standout (4), Classique Legend (10) and Dirty Work (5).
The Favourite
Bivouac has opened the $3.80 favourite, which looks unders for this cracking edition of The Shorts.
Outside of the Newmarket Handicap last preparation, he's failed to live up to the lofty expectations that the blue army had for him this year.
His first-up record is okay (4:1-1-1) and he has won 3 from 5 at this distance.
Despite the fact that he is meeting easier opposition to his last start in the All Aged Stakes, he has to carry 58kg from a poor barrier.
I am expecting a good showing, but he will look better with a run under his belt.
Analysis and Tips
Dirty Work $7.00looks nice odds for a bloke who keeps stepping up to the plate.
It's hard not to be impressed with his run in the Concorde Stakes behind Gytrash and Nature Strip.
Despite stalking the breakneck speed in that clash, he ran the quickest 400m-200m sectional of the race which is massive.
Having fitness on his side from that run is a positive and he loves a Good track (10:3-1-2), which he will get on Saturday.
Over the 1100m is where Dirty Work does his best work, having notched up 4 winners and 3 placings from 9 starts over the distance.
He maps to stalk a good speed from a favourable draw, and looks a good bet at attractive odds.
Josh has been punting on racing all his life. He loves sport in general but racing is his focus, committing tireless hours to form analysis and sharing his views with the betting public.
