21/10/21 Randwick Tips for The Invitation & The Bondi Stakes

Randwick plays host to a strong day of racing for the last time this Spring, with a ten race card giving punters plenty to ponder.

The day is highlighted by the inaugural $2 million The Invitation for fillies and mares, as well as the $1 million Bondi Stakes for three-year-olds. 

The feature events are well supported by the Kirkham, The Brian Crowley as well as the Tattersalls Cup over 2400m.

 

Track Conditions

The track is currently rated a Good 4, with minimal rain forecast in the lead-up to race day.

The rail will be out 8m from the 1000m to the winning post and 5m for the remainder of the circuit.

At this set-up expect on-pace runners to hold an advantage, with lanes 1-3 likely to be play very fast.

 

Randwick Race 8 - The Bondi Stakes 1600m 

The Map 

This is an intriguing race, with the two favourites mapping differently.

I expect Keefy (3) to kick up from the favourable barrier and Dufresne (10) to make his way over from the outside. 

Lease (1) will apply pressure from the inside and Coastwatch (9) will carve across with Dufresne.

Look for Cotehele (2) to get a lovely rails run behind Lease, whilst Royalzel (8) will attempt to slot in better than midfield.

Arnaqueur (4) and Reginald (5) will settle worst than midfield, with Akihiro (7) if it races settling at the rear. 

Hilal (6) sat closer in the run last start and it will be interesting if they attempt to do that again. I have them settling at the rear over the mile.

The Favourite 

Hilal ($3.20) will be looking for back-to-back wins followung a nice victory in the Stan Fox.

Like they have been doing most of this preparation, he settled a touch closer in the run which was the telling tale late in the piece. 

As mentioned above, they may attempt to sit a touch closer again as I believe the racing pattern and the rail being out isn't going to suit his style.

He will be in the mix late in the piece and looks the clear winner with bias out of the equation.

Analysis and Tips 

I have to sit on the fence with this one and back both Hilal ($3.20) and Coastwatch ($3.30).

Hilal's main rival in this race is Coastwatch, who will be in the prominent position on the bend.

There are question marks over whether he can run out a strong mile but with the track likely to play leaderish, he becomes a strong contender.

These are the two main players and by backing both, we cover all bases whilst still turning a profit.

 

Randwick Race 9 - The Invitation 1400m 

The Map 

This is a cracking race and how they map from midfield and beyond will play a big part in determining the outcome.

Madam Legend (6) and Vangelic (9) will both go forward and fight it out for the lead, leaving Tricky Gal (1) to get a nice run on the rails and leaders' back. 

Forbidden Love (3) will attempt to sit on the rails behind Tricky Gal, whilst I see Madam Rouge (8) going into a more forward position and Sweet Deal (13) trying to slot in.

Yamazaki (2) and More Prophets (5) will settle midfield and will be joined by Entriviere (11) from out wide. 

Look for Rocha Clock (4) to settle worse than midfield and Startantes (7) can get that gun run with Entriviere, when and if the emergencies come out. 

Media Award (12) will settle to the rear with Nudge (10) and they have an important decision to make with Icebath (15), who looks likely to sit at the rear. Belluci Babe (14) should settle beyond mid-field from the draw.

The Favourite 

Entriviere ($3.10) is a deserved favourite and will be hard to beat.

Last time out, she had to make a long run from the back of the field and in a less desirable part of the track to run a massive third behind rival Vangelic. She now meets that runner 2kg better off at the weights. 

The Tavistock mare looks set to get into a gun spot, handles all conditions and if there is any rails bias, she will still be in the position to make a race of it.

 

Analysis and Tips 

We will have one main bet in the race and the others will be dependent on scratchings, bias and weather.

Entriviere ($3.10) is the best horse in this race and is the clear top pick.

 

Tricky Gal ($13.00) is one that had the flashing light last start and regardless of the weather, if there is an on-pace/rails bias, she will be up to it in her ears.

She is my clear second pick due to her map and I think she is brilliant odds.

 

Startantes ($10.00) is nice each-way odds and may sit a touch more forward than usual. She will have no weight on her back and could really let down late and shake this race up.

 

Nudge ($13.00) has a poor map but if the bias is non-existant, she is one who will be flying late.

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