Randwick Racing Bill Ritchie Handicap 2018

This year's edition of the Bill Ritchie Handicap features a horse that is set to achieve lofty heights this Spring, with an Everest slot still an outside chance and further Spring riches firmly on the agenda.

Loved this Piero colt's first up win when taking on a cracking field in the Missile Stakes and rolling Kementari. The quality of opposition engaged here appears to fall away rapidly, with a number of runners making the leap from Benchmark grade to test their Group level potential.

However, the speed map will make it interesting and most leading chances will want to race close to speed. Luck in the running is likely to prove the difference on the peg.

 

 Race Track Traits

Randwick is currently rated a Soft 6 with the rail in the True position the entire circuit and showers predicted on Friday. Last time here the race surface appeared to favour those close to speed and up the rail early, however later in the day a number of runners saluted from wider.

If wet conditions are present, historically a wide and run-on bias can persist and hence a close watch of early races is advised.

 

 Market Movers

#10 Sir Plush has come in for good support in early betting ($34 into $21). There are no other significant moves of note. 

 

 Key Runners

#2 Pierata $3.10 > $3

Superstar in the making who was ultra-impressive first up when claiming the scalp of Kementari in the Group 2 Missile Stakes.

He has had 6 weeks between runs now, and provided there was no significant setback, should be cherry ripe to run well fresh here.

The step up to 1400m suits where never out of the money (4:2-1-1) and he does love Randwick (3:2-1-0).

This field is not overly strong and although the speed map is not ideal, he has the tactical speed to overcome the outside draw in gate 12. Can work across early to find cover close to speed and must go on top.

 

#4 Tom Melbourne $7.50 > $7

Finds a nice race which looks to have less quality engaged than what he has met in recent outings.

Last start just missed when running a close up 2 of 11 here in the Tramway, where there were some excuses after he raced keen throughout.

Unfortunately, the rider will be forced to rev him up early in this race, in order to find a position from the wide gate (11) in this field. This makes him a big chance of over-racing again.

His chances depend on him settling and doubt he will do that on Saturday. No.

 

#5 Invictus Prince $8> $7.50

Interesting runner who ran out of his skin to place second behind Winx last start. Winx form is understandably all the rage and he must be considered a serious threat here.

He will get back worse than midfield in the run, however there does look to be enough speed engaged to bring him into it late.

Soft conditions are a big plus and any significant support late in betting would add plenty of confidence. Could be looking for further now but must be considered. 

 

#8 Siege Of Quebec $5.50 > $5

Has been heavily backed at his last two starts in good grade.

Two back worked to find the front at this track over 1200m before being collared late by the smart Le Romain. Since then was hard in betting at Rosehill in the Theo Marks when running last 7 of 7.

It is hard to ignore the SP profile with heavy support in betting at each start this prep and expect with any luck he will be right in the finish. Leading hope. 

 

#11 Kaonic $7.50 > $7

Failed to live up to the hype early in his career, however has since come out this prep to easily account for the opposition when winning his past two races.

This will be a steep jump in grade from the recent Benchmark efforts and he will need to be very good to challenge most of these. This looks a touch too classy for him. No. 

 

#12 Paret $6

Has taken all before him with dynamic wins at his past three starts. He is another who still needs to prove he can mix it at Group level and this race is the acid test.

There is no ignoring the brilliance of his recent wins, including his latest where he had to overcome significant obstacles when coming from well back to take what appeared to be non-existent gaps and still go on to win.

Will be rattling home late. Top chance.

 

 Tips

1^st  Pierata

2^nd  Siege Of Quebec

3^rd  Paret

4^th Invictus Prince