Randwick Racing: The Roman Consul Stakes Preview 2018

Distance	1200m
Grade	Group 2
Track Rating	Good 3
Prizemoney	$300,000
Class	3YO Set Weights
2017 winner	Viridine ($2.25)

This Group 2 Randwick feature has attracted a field of 10 colts and 1 gelding, all of which will be hoping to capture a coveted Randwick stakes race.

Many of the colts are still desperate to secure a place at stud and the Roman Consul has typically provided a good opportunity to do so for 3YOs, who are a shade below the absolute top grade of this crop.

Whilst there is likely to be no genuine superstar arising from this event, the race does provide plenty of intrigue from a betting angle, with a very evenly graded field assembled.

Any strong betting moves late will be a key lead.

 

 Race Randwick Track Traits

For the latest insight into how the Randwick track is expected to play, read our preview of the Spring Champion Stakes. 

 

 Racing Market Movers

 There are no significant moves of note in early betting.

 

 Key Runners

#1 Sandbar $4.40

Has impressed all the way through and is always entered against the top class 3YOs.

This race gives him the opportunity to compete against slightly less quality, with a field that does not have the usual depth in class that he has been taking on at his most recent outings.

Expect him to capitalise on this with Corey Brown to use gate 1 to advantage, and hunt up along the rail to find the coveted leaders' back position.

Looks to get a dream run in a very suitable race and must go on top.

 

#2 Aylmerton $8.50  

Coolmore blueblood who Team Hayes would not present at the races unless he's in excellent order and a genuine winning chance in stakes grade.

This colt did enough first-up in The McNeil at Caulfield when running 6 of 15, to warrant a look at this race.

He will appreciate the bigger Randwick track where he's already a winner, and relish the opportunity to wind up down the longer straight and less severe turns.

Of slight concern is the draw out in gate 8, where the speed map has him posted wide the trip.

However, expect Adkins to take hold and go back near last before peeling wide to run home.

Map looks too sticky on this occasion and happy to risk. No.

 

#3 Jonker $4.80

Leads and should give a great sight out in front, provided Jay Ford can bluff the other speedsters Ef Troop and Charbreet into taking a sit off him.

He was good in the Run To The Rose at Rosehill, where he led and was only cut down late to finish third when beaten only a length.

That form is excellent for this race and the likelihood of a rain effected track also plays into his hands.

Rock solid in early betting at $4.80 and will be there fighting on the line. Top hope. 

 

#4 Performer $6.50

Promised the world as a 2YO and ran at top level all the way through, including the Golden Slipper where he disappointed.

Has since gone off the boil as a 3YO, yet still attracts plenty of attention in betting markets at each start. 

The two runs back this prep have not been anything flash and on this occasion the speed map is ugly, having him posted wide the trip.

Simply cannot get enthused, even though this is weaker than recent outings. No.

 

#5 Ef Troop $12

Likes to dictate from out in front, however doubt he has the toe to go with Jonker early. He will most likely have to settle outside that horse or look to angle for the one-out-one-back position.

Going off the Danehill run last start at Caulfield where he finished 10 of 12, he looks a shade below a few of these on quality and strikes a race here where his running position will not suit.

Certainly has the talent, however would need to put in a career best to compete here. No.

 

#7 Legend Of Condor $12

Has had excuses at both runs this prep, where not all has gone to plan in the run.

First-up, he was dragged back and got strung up behind the leader before never really finding clean air. In his latest, he again got well back and suffered interference.

Expect the team to be risk adverse this time out, with instructions for Tye Angland to press forward from gate 9 and slot in close to speed.

With this change in tactics, anything is possible and it certainly would not surprise to see a much improved effort.

 

#9 Sesar $11

Ran well throughout the Brisbane Winter carnival in top class all the way through.

Arrives here following only the one trial at Doomben and has had no luck drawing gate 10 for this first-up assignment.

Still, his natural pattern is to get well back and run-on out wide, which may suit here if they go warp speed in front.

He has some chance provided there is a genuine tempo and can work to the outside without trouble. Looks value.

 

#10 Charge $11

Was a huge run in The Rosebud, where they rode the speed outside the leader the entire trip and still had the courage to keep coming right to the line when only narrowly beaten into second.

Love that he has the tactical speed to be anywhere he likes and he should jump straight into the box seat behind the leaders and get a dream run throughout.

Looks to have plenty of upside and must be considered a top hope.

 

#11 Charbreet $9.50

Interesting runner who is coming via the provincial and midweek circuit as a 3YO, where at the latest he was run down late after leading at Warwick Farm.

The Snowden stable are the masters of placing them to win and they would not have entered here in stakes grade if he wasn't flying at home and a big chance.

Will be up on-the-speed and if the leading division get away with cheap sectionals, he could run away with it. Yes.

 

Of The Others

#8 Spin has to be a chance at odds following an improved last start effort at stakes level in The Danehill. Bookies may bet big odds late and he could be worth an each-way ticket at $15+.

 

 Best Racing Tips

1^st  Sandbar

2^nd  Charge 

3^rd  Jonker

4^th  Charbreet