The following is a selection of Australian racing tips for Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30.
On Saturday the focus is on the Hill Stakes (Race 4), Premiere Stakes (Race 5), Group 1 Flight Stakes (Race 6), Group 1 Epsom Handicap (Race 7) and Group 1 The Metropolitan (Race 8) at Randwick.
On Sunday the focus is on the Thousand Guineas Prelude (Race 7) and Group 1 Underwood Stakes (Race 8) at Caulfield.
More tips and previews will be added as they become available.
Promotions
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Best bets of the weekend
Saturday:
Randwick Race 3, No. 1 Gem Song
Sunday:
Caulfield Race 3, No. 1 Prized Icon
Caulfield Race 8, No.9 Grunt – LAY BET – bet against this horse with Betfair
Saturday
Randwick
Race 3, No. 1 Gem Song – BEST BET – 4.5 stars
Race 5, No. 5 In Her Time – each-way – 3.5 stars
Race 6, No. 2 Miss Fabulass – 4.5 stars
Race 7, No. 11 Lanciato – 3.5 stars
Race 8, No. 9 Miss Admiration – 4 stars
Race 9, No. 8 Isorich – each-way – 3 stars
Quaddie: 2, 6, 7 / 2, 3, 7, 11 / 1, 2, 9, 14 / 8, 10, 11, 14
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: BRIGHT RUBICK
Race 2: FIERY RED
Race 3: GEM SONG
Race 4: EGG TART
Race 5: REDZEL
Race 6: 1. PRETTY IN PINK, 2. Miss Fabulass, 3. Fiesta, 4. Nakeeta Jane
Race 7: 1. UNFORGOTTEN, 2. D’argento, 3. Pierata, 4. Invictus Prince
Race 8: 1. HIGH BRIDGE, 2. Miss Admiration, 3. Brimham Rocks, 4. Libran
Race 9: SIR PLUSH
Race 6:
Back Miss Fabulass (2.10) to win.
Race 7 – Espsom Handicap
Tips:
1. Unforgotten
2. Pierata
3. Muraaqeb
4. D’Argento
Suggested Bets:
Back Unforgotten (4.60) to win and Muraaqeb (9.50) to place.
Race 8:
Back Midterm (17.00, 4.80) Each Way.
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 6, #6, FUTOOH – value bet
Race 7, #7, UNFORGOTTEN
Betfair Insider Racing Preview:
Race 5: LAY (WIN) – Redzel for 5 units
Race 7: BACK (WIN) – Pierata for 2 units
Betfair – Bookies Bag – Lay Nominations:
On course bookmakers recommend laying (betting against) the following horses:
Race 2 #6 Exceed the Stars
Race 6 #2 Miss Fabulass
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 4:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #2 It’s Somewhat
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #1 Redzel
Lay – #2 Trapeze Artist
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #2 Miss Fabulass
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Lay – #7 Unforgotten
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #10 Brimham Rocks
Runners are listed in number order, not order of preference.
Race 4: 3 One Foot In Heaven, 9 Ace High, 10 Egg Tart, 11 Luvaluva
Race 5: 1 Redzel, 2 Trapeze Artist, 6 Shoals, 7 Invincible Star
Race 6: 1 Oohood, 2 Miss Fabulass, 3 Fiesta, 4 Pretty In Pink
Race 7: 2 Pierata, 3 D’Argento, 7 Unforgotten
Race 8: 2 Big Duke, 4 Wall of Fire, 10 Brimham Rocks, 11 Sin To Win
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 4:
EGG TART (10) Third up specialist with 2 wins from 4 runs. Won three runs back at Sunshine Coast and will appreciate the drop in class. Rates a winning chance. ACE HIGH (9) Made considerable ground when 2nd two runs back at this venue and will find this grade easier. Respect in this company. IT’S SOMEWHAT (2) Jockey James Mcdonald and trainer James Cummings are an imposing duo. Average effort when beaten by 5.5L at this course last time but third up from a spell. Among better hopes. ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN (3) Proven record when third up. Will be giving the leaders a big start but suited in this race and can place today.
Selections: 10 Egg Tart, 9 Ace High, 2 It’s Somewhat, 3 One Foot In Heaven
Race 5:
REDZEL (1) Having second run back from a spell. Nice effort when winning last time at this track and will race on the speed. Should prove hard to beat. TRAPEZE ARTIST (2) Having second run back from a spell. Fought on well to win two runs back at this course and suited at this distance in the past. Looks to be in good shape and must go close here today. IN HER TIME (5) Races well fresh winning 4 from 6 runs. Scored a victory three runs back at Rosehill and proven performer at this distance. One of the major players. INVINCIBLE STAR (7) Showed a good turn of foot when 2nd last start at this course and third up from a spell. Has good tactical speed and will be nicely positioned here. One for the each way players.
Selections: 1 Redzel, 2 Trapeze Artist, 5 In Her Time, 7 Invincible Star
Race 6:
MISS FABULASS (2) Progressive type who looks to be in good order. Should go on with the job and break through for maiden Group 1 victory. PRETTY IN PINK (4) Will be hoping for a strong tempo early on. Should be making itself known in the latter stages of the race, keep safe. FIESTA (3) Handy type who is racing in consistent fashion. Worthy of an each way investment today. OOHOOD (1) Arguably Australia?s best maiden galloper. Needs the race run to suit but can make the frame.
Selections: 2 Miss Fabulass, 4 Pretty In Pink, 3 Fiesta, 1 Oohood
Race 7:
UNFORGOTTEN (7) Profiles very nicely today. Expecting a strong performance late and for it to have an impact in future races this campaign. D’ARGENTO (3) Should be ready to peak third up. Will be storming home if it can find clear running from the inside. PIERATA (2) Likely to get the perfect run from the barrier and looks well in here. Form from previous starts this prep ready very well for this, could prove hard to beat. SIEGE OF QUEBEC (16) Wide gate makes it tough but will appreciate the significant drop in weight. With a soft run in transit you should expect a big effort at nice odds.
Selections: 7 Unforgotten, 3 D’Argento, 2 Pierata, 16 Siege of Quebec
Race 8:
MISS ADMIRATION (9) Form behind Avilius reads very well for this race. If it can slot in from the wide gate, it will be there at the finish. BRIMHAM ROCKS (10) Peaking at the right time. Looks set to get a nice run from the gate and could very easily take this out. LIBRAN (3) Will only benefit from the step up to 2400m. Gate and weight make it tough but is honest enough to be an each way player. BIG DUKE (2) Big performance to finish where it did last start after getting too far back in the field. Could settle closer today, can pop up at odds.
Selections: 9 Miss Admiration, 10 Brimham Rocks, 3 Libran, 2 Big Duke
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 4:
This looks a stronger contest than the one that CLASSIC UNIFORM led throughout in 12 months ago. Again he will assume that role. For a race like this you better believe that Winx form is the right form. EGG TART has come back really well and looks absolutely ready for a trip that she’ll relish. She doesn’t have much get up and go about her early in her races but she will have a few slowcoaches behind her here (I think!). ACE HIGH was only a length off her in the George Main and can certainly settle ahead of her in running again. IT’S SOMEWHAT would be no surprise either.
Selections: 10. Egg Tart, 9. Ace High, 2. It’s Somewhat, 11. Luvaluva
Race 5:
INVINCIBLE STAR draws widest with REDZEL the inner. Does he let her cross right over? It may well be a moot point if she’s sluggish away as she was last time. This is a fantastic sprint race but I expect REDZEL – whether leading or hovering handy – to hold up strongly and win again. Last time he was here over 1200m TRAPEZE ARTIST got him and IN HER TIME was pretty unlucky not to. They are formidable opponents for sure and will be bringing dynamic finishes. REDZEL rarely easy to run past though.
Selections: 1. Redzel, 2. Trapeze Artist, 5. In Her Time, 7. Invincible Star
Race 6:
Speed quite sketchy in the first of today’s Group Ones. I suspect the NZer SANTA CATARINA could be the frontrunner. FUNDAMENTALIST went forward last time but I suspect she may not repeat? 10 and 11 are chances to be handy and maybe one or two others are prepared to try something different. On balance I think we may see the Tea Rose placings hold up. MISS FABULASS draws to find a perfect trail and you had to like her sprint once she found clear running. You would imagine she, PRETTY IN PINK, and FIESTA are all happy having their first crack at the 1600m.
Selections: 2. Miss Fabulass, 3. Fiesta, 4. Pretty In Pink, 9. Maid Of Heaven
Race 7:
10 runners contested this race last year, 20 + 2 this year. And what a contest it is! I suppose sometimes we can think of the Epsom as the lesser sibling of the Doncaster, but not this edition! Look for 9 and 20 to cross up and set the tempo. 10 and 16 find handy spots and possibly Dean Yendall may have a thought to get busy on TOM from their wide barrier. D’ARGENTO loomed to win well last start but was outgunned down the straight. 3rd-up to 1600m is ideal now and hopefully the inside gate is more a blessing than a curse. UNFORGOTTEN draws well but she’s still going to be a long way back. She’ll have at least fifteen runners to run down I reckon but is good enough! Gun trails for PIERATA and HARTNELL.
Selections: 3. D’argento, 7. Unforgotten, 2. Pierata, 1. Hartnell
Race 8:
10 runners last year, 18 + 1 this time. 7 a likely leader? 11, 6 and 12 can pozzie front half and handy. AUVRAY gives weight to all but that’s what happens when you are the high rater in a Handicap. Loved his run at Newcastle and importantly it was a run very near this trip. Squarely aimed at this, I expect him to be settle a fair way back despite an inside draw but I think he’ll track into things nicely from the 800m. I concede that there is a bank of lightly weighted horses that do make appeal. Two of Waller’s – THE LORD MAYOR and BRIMHAM ROCKS – chief among them. And I reckon SIN TO WIN has a chance to settle a lot more forward today. Some hope for him at odds too.
Selections: 1. Auvray, 12. The Lord Mayor, 10. Brimham Rocks, 11. Sin To Win
Race 4:
ACE HIGH Will appreciate getting out to 2000m after finishing runner-up in the Chelmsford and fourth in the George Main last start. He’s ready to win peaking fourth-up getting all the favours in running launching from the inside gate. EGG TART Looks to have come back in great order hitting the line strongly in her two runs this time in including a third in the George Main behind Winx last start. She’s right in this peaking third-up and it is worth noting she is twice a winner at the same stage of a preparation. ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN Should be getting close to peak fitness after two runs back from a spell. He’s a Group II winning import and is ready to do something. LUVALUVA Won the Adrian Knox this track and distance in the Autumn and is right in the mix after two runs back from a break stepping up in distance.
Race 5:
REDZEL Made an impressive return to racing winning the Concorde last start. Has had a setback and hence four-weeks between races but is the one to beat again if close to right getting all the favours in running launching from the inside gate. INVINCIBLE STAR Was no match for Redzel in the Concorde resuming two back before a close second in the Shorts last start. She’s ready to test Redzel having her third run this time in. SHOALS Has a terrific record with seven wins and three placings from her 11 starts. Looked in need of the run when placed in the McEwan Stakes at Moonee Valley resuming last start. She will provide formidable opposition here with the run under her belt. TRAPEZE ARTIST Did enough on the heavy track when third in the Theo Marks resuming last start to suggest he is right in play fitter second-up on a drier surface.
Race 6:
FIESTA Won the Silver Shadow resuming three back before finishing runner-up in the Furious and Tea Rose last couple. There is nothing to suggest she won’t be in the finish again. OOHOOD Carries the tag of Australia’s best maiden but was the Golden Slipper and Sires Produce runner-up in the Autumn. Has finished on the placegetters heels in each of her three runs this preparation without much luck. Has to overcome an awkward gate but can be in the finish with even luck. MISS FABULASS Could not have been more impressive winning the Tea Rose last showing the acceleration of a top grade filly when she saw daylight at the 150m. She’s clearly the one to beat. PRETTY IN PINK One of those that looks to have some improvement coming out of the Tea Rose when she worked home nicely. Looks suited stepping up to the mile third-up and is right in play.
Race 7:
PIERATA Won the three-year-old Magic Millions Guineas earlier in the year and was runner-up in the Hobartville and Randwick Guineas in his two Autumn runs. Won the Missile resuming two back before a close second in the Bill Ritchie at Randwick last start when he did plenty of work in the run on the back of a six-week break between races. Should be right at his peak and is drawn to get all the favours in the run. He’s right in the mix. D’ARGENTO Was the Rosehill Guineas winner in the Autumn and has been very good in his two runs this preparation finishing in the placings in the Wink Stakes resuming before a third in the Theo Marks on the heavy track at Rosehill last start. Will need a touch of luck at the right time launching from barrier one but if it comes will take a power of beating. UNFORGOTTEN Won the Australian Oaks at Randwick in the Autumn. Made up good ground in the Winx Stakes resuming before an impressive win in the Chelmsford last start. Has been kept fresh for this and she will rocketing to the line late. HARTNELL Finished a close second in the PB Lawrence resuming at Caulfield before a half-length fourth in the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam at Moonee Valley last start. Whether he is going as well as previous seasons is a genuine query but looks suited at the mile third-up and will be somewhere in the finish.
Race 8:
BRIMHAM ROCKS Has been in the placings in each of his three runs this preparation and has place prospects again with nothing on his back. BIG DUKE Finished runner-up this race last year and looks a great chance of going one better the way he finished his race off in the Kingston Town Stakes last start. He’s right in the mix. WALL OF FIRE Hasn’t race for close to a year but has had three 1550m trials at Cranbourne to get him ready. Was an $11 chance in last years Melbourne Cup after finishing second in the Herbert Power at Caulfield in his lead-up race. Shouldn’t be under-estimated first-up here. SIN TO WIN Worked home nicely when third in the Colin Stephen last start. Still has scope for improvement third-up and is a value chance for the wider exotics.
Betfair – Race Analysis & Selections:
Race 4:
Not a lot of depth to this staying event with the leading market hopes tipped to fight out the finish. EGG TART has been rock solid in both starts to begin this preparation and now appears set to peak racing third up. Sure to relish the step up in trip and although drawn out, she is likely to get back and should prove hard to hold out with McEvoy sticking aboard. ACE HIGH is another racing well and will no doubt relish the step up in trip. Drawn to be prominent and looms as a major threat. IT’S SOMEWHAT the next in line.
1. Egg Tart (5 stars)
2. Ace High (4 stars)
3. It’s Somewhat (4 stars)
Race 5:
Easily one of the main highlights of the afternoon with this year’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes. TRAPEZE ARTIST did a really good job first up and is sure to display sharp improvement racing second up. Far better suited at WFA and holds a clear class edge over the majority of the field. Drawn to get into a good spot and should prove very hard to beat. REDZEL makes the jump from 1000m off a 28 day break, but couldn’t have been more impressive in his return and while coming here off a setback, trust Team Snowden to have him spot on. SANTA ANA LANE caught the eye late first up and appears the next in line.
1. Trapeze Artist (5 stars)
2. Redzel (5 stars)
3. Santa Ana Lane (4 stars)
Sunday
Caulfield
Race 1, No. 2 Eclair Calling – 4 stars
Race 3, No. 1 Prized Icon – BEST BET – 4.5 stars
Race 4, No. 9 In Good Time – each-way – 3 stars
Race 5, No. 2 Booker – 4.5 stars
Race 8, No. 8 Homesman – 4 stars
Race 9, No. 10 Furrion – 4.5 stars
Quaddie: 4, 5, 10, 12, 14 / 1, 3 / 2, 3, 8, 9 / 8, 10, 16
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: HOLBIEN
Race 2: CLIFF’S EDGE
Race 3: PRIZED ICON
Race 4: SOOTHING
Race 5: TREKKING
Race 6: WAGNER
Race 7: EL DORADO DREAMING
Race 8: 1. HOMESMAN, 2. Humidor, 3. Blair House, 4. Grunt
Race 9: BEST OF DAYS
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 7, #13, MUSIC BAY – best bet
Race 7, #3, SMART MELODY – lay bet – bet against this horse with Betfair
Betfair – Bookies Bag – Lay Nominations:
On course bookmakers recommend laying (betting against) the following horses:
Race 8 #9 Grunt – selected by three bookies
Runners are listed in number order, not order of preference.
Race 7: 1 El Dorado Dreaming, 3 Smart Melody, 6 Spanish Whisper
Race 8: 1 Black Heart Bart, 2 Humidor, 8 Homesman, 9 Grunt
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 7:
SMART MELODY (3) Very tidy this preparation winning 2 from as many starts and third up from a spell. Won last run at Flemington. Respect in this company. SPANISH WHISPER (6) Having third run back from a break. Flew home into 2nd last time at this course but facing a stronger class. Would like to see betting push before considering. MUSIC BAY (13) Having second run back from a spell. Won narrowly three runs back at Morphettville but up against stronger competition here. Looks a chance. THRILLSTER (2) Third up from a spell. Really dug deep when winning last run at Moonee Valley but facing a stronger grade today. Worth thought.
Selections: 3 Smart Melody, 6 Spanish Whisper, 13 Music Bay, 2 Thrillster
Race 8:
HUMIDOR (2) Not the best run last start but should map better today and looks to have every possible chance. The one to beat in an open race. GRUNT (9) Progressive type who showed his best form last time out. A repeat of that performance would be good enough for this. BLAIR HOUSE (7) First up since March and having first local run. Have to take on trust but his overseas form should see him go very close today. HOMESMAN (8) Will only improve from first up run and should be in the right spot in running. This is not out of reach.
Selections: 2 Humidor, 9 Grunt, 7 Blair House, 8 Homesman
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 7:
SMART MELODY put the race beyond doubt in a couple of strides at Flemington. First time she gets out to the 1400m is the obvious query but if rider can hold her up for as long as possible and let down with that explosive dash she can win. MUSIC BAY chased home valiantly in that Flemington race and she can be the bridesmaid again. THRILLSTER looks the obvious filly who will enjoy the extra trip but she has drawn out in the car park and needs luck from there. EL DORADO DREAMING is a Group 1 winning filly resuming. Will get back off them but has big finish and watch late.
Selections: 3. Smart Melody, 13. Music Bay, 2. Thrillster, 1. El Dorado Dreaming
Race 8:
Can GRUNT handle Caulfield?. Had the two tries at this track and only battled both times but banking on that experience standing him in good stead and going to stick with him to make it two Group 1 wins in a row. HUMIDOR won the G1 Memsie here two back then a dour run last start suggesting he is looking for 1800m. Drawn to get perfect run. Liked the way COMIN’ THROUGH hit the line last start at Flemington. Gets out to 1800m third-up from spell and will get ideal run from barrier. Cannot leave out a Charlie Appleby runner and BLAIR HOUSE brings some solid form from Dubai.
Selections: 9. Grunt, 2. Humidor, 5. Comin’ Through, 7. Blair House
Race 7:
Race Comments:
Hard to see anything upsetting the top two choices. SMART MELODY unbeaten so far and won last start at Flemington, a close top pick. EL DORADO DREAMING resumes after a spell of 23 weeks and in good shape from recent trial successes, among the chances. SPANISH WHISPER has a lot of early speed and carrying less weight, in with a chance. HUMMA HUMMA has been flying of late and Jamie Mott a bonus, could threaten.
Race 8:
GRUNT won last start in the Makybe Diva Stakes and won two of three Group I attempts, serious player. BLACK HEART BART won five of 23 Group I attempts and Brad Rawiller has had success aboard previously, in with a chance. HUMIDOR winner of three Group I races and Winner of the Memsie Stakes this prep, place claims. HOMESMAN chased well to fall just short last start in the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stks when resuming and two from three wins have been in the dry, quinella.
Betfair – Race Analysis & Selections:
Race 7:
SMART MELODY remains undefeated from all four career runs the most recent over 1100m in listed company at Flemington. Gets out to the 1400m for the first time today but hard to knock winning form and she will be hard to beat. MULTAJA began the preparation well before a disappointing effort behind Smart Melody last start. Worth another chance today and can bounce back. EL DORADO DREAMING resumes for a new yard and recent trial efforts have been encouraging. Certainly one to keep safe.
1. Smart Melody (5 stars)
2. Multaja (4 stars)
3. El Dorado Dreaming (4 stars)
Race 8:
HUMIDOR was a touch disappointing in the Makybe Diva last start and finds himself in barrier 1 once again today. Got the job done in the Memsie two starts back and with even luck will relish getting out to the 1800m now. GRUNT proved too good in the Makybe Diva last start and gets out to the 1800m for the first time today. Has improved at each of his three runs this campaign and must be included off his last start effort. BLAIR HOUSE resumes for the Appleby stable and has been gelded since last seen in Meydan. Can never rule this stable out in these types of races and James McDonald takes the ride. COMIN’ THROUGH next best.
1. Humidor (5 stars)
2. Grunt (4 stars)
3. Blair House (4 stars)