The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, April 13. The focus is on Randwick, which features four Group 1 races, the Australian Oaks (Race 6), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (which will be the last race for Winx) (Race 7), Sydney Cup (Race 8) and Coolmore Legacy (Queen of the Turf) Stakes (Race 9). Selected races at Ascot, Caulfield and Morphettville are also covered.
More tips and previews will be added as they become available.
If you’re interested in premium tips, check out our Tom Waterhouse tipping review.
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Best bets of the day
Caulfield Race 8, No. 3 Eduardo
Randwick Race 4, No. 1 Kiamichi
Randwick Race 6, No. 1 Verry Elleegant
Randwick Race 8, No. 11 Midterm (place)
Randwick Race 9, No. 1 Alizee
Randwick Race 10, No. 6 Winter Bride (place)
Ascot
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #1 Regal Power; #12 Mackenzie Brooke
Caulfield
Race 5, No.3 Transact – 3.5 stars
Race 8, No. 3 Eduardo – BEST BET – 5 stars
Race 4: Back Steel Prince (2.20) to win.
Morphettville
Race 2, No.9 Gytrash – 4 stars
Race 7, No. 2 Mirette – 4.5 stars
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #7 Cool Passion
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #1 Cosmic Alert; #9 Arctic Shock
Randwick
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 6: 1. SCARLET DREAM, 2. Verry Elleegant, 3. Frankely Awesome, 4. Aristia
Race 8: 1. MIDTERM, 2.Glory Days, 3. Yogi, 4. Dubhe
Race 9: 1. ALIZEE, 2. Nakeeta Jane, 3. Invincible Gem, 4. Dixie Blossoms
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 1 #1 Amercement – LAY BET – bet against this horse with Betfair
Race 5 #10 Trope – VALUE BET
Race 6 #1 Verry Elleegant – BEST BET
Race 8 #10 Dubhe
Race 3, No. 2 Archedemus – 4.5 stars
Race 8 Sydney Cup:
Top 5:
1. Yogi
2. Dubhe
3. Midterm
4. Big Duke
5. Rondinella
Best Bet: No. 8 Yogi – 4 stars
Next Best: Midterm ($8/$2.70)
Exotic: Trifecta 8,10,11 – 8,10,11 – 2,5,8,9,10,11,12,15
Race 9 Coolmore Legacy:
Top 5:
1. Spanish Reef
2. Dixie Blossoms
3. Prompt Response
4. Miss Siska
5. Kenenda
Best Bet: No. 12 Spanish Reef – each-way – 3.5 stars
Next Best: Dixie Blossoms ($10)
Exotic: Box Exacta 2,4,8,12,13,15
Race 6:
Back Frankely Awesome (6.00) to win.
Race 7:
Tips
1. Winx
2. Hartnell
3. He’s Eminent
Suggested Bet:
Back Hartnell (4.40) in the Winx-Out market
Race 9:
Back Alizee (6.00) to win.
Race 4: Kiamichi
Race 5: Encryption
Race 6: Verry Elleegant
Race 7: Winx / He’s Eminent exacta
Race 8: Midterm each-way
Race 9: Alizee
Race 10: Winter Bride
Race 4:
KIAMICHI (1) backs up after placing in the Sires’ behind Microphone last start. Having her fourth start in five weeks which is of some concern however clearly has the pick of disclosed form having of course won the Golden Slipper two starts ago. Stablemate FLIT (4) won the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes last start down the Flemington straight. Has since been kept ticking over with a Rosehill trial. CHEER LEADER (5) was a dominant five length winner around The Valley over 1200m. Favourably drawn and has improved with each run. ANAHEED (2) ran sixth in the Golden Slipper. Easier here back against her own sex.
Race 5:
ENCRYPTION (2) has been finding the line well enough this prep at Group 1 level against the older horses. Was running on well in The Galaxy behind Nature Strip last start. Always gets back in his races. Should thrive with some good early speed expected up front. ZOUSAIN (1) returns to Sydney after pulling up lame following the Newmarket Handicap. Won a Randwick trial in readiness for this. Has placed at Group 1 level on three occasions now including the Golden Rose and the Coolmore Stud Stakes. Narrow seconds in those races behind the likes of The Autumn Sun and Sunlight read extremely well in this line up. AVANTAGE (11) hit the ground running in her Australian debut, leading throughout to win the Birthday Card Stakes. Will be fitter for the run and now returns to taking on her own age. CLASSIQUE LEGEND (7) performed well in his first look at stakes level when third in the Derby Munro. Got caught wide on the speed but to his credit, kept on fighting.
Race 6:
VERRY ELLEEGANT (1) comes here off beating a number of the same rivals in the Vinery Stud Stakes a fortnight ago. Proves to be the dominant form line brought into the Oaks most years now. Expect that to be the case once again. FRANKELY AWESOME (3) shapes as the main danger. Settled well back in the Vinery Stud Stakes however kept things sporting for the winner by closing strongly for second. Was to run in last week’s Derby however was an early scratching due to coughing. Could prove to be a blessing in disguise. Stablemate ALIFEROUS (6) won the Adrian Knox Stakes last start running figures well below what the above mentioned pair produced in the Vinery Stud Stakes. Royal Descent in 2013 was the last to claim the Adrian Knox Stakes/Australian Oaks double. ARISTIA (2) was brave on heavy ground that wasn’t to her liking in the Vinery. Should get firmer footing here. CLEMENTIA (8) ran ninth in the Adrian Knox but wasn’t beaten far. Lone look at this trip returned a fourth in the NZ Oaks.
Race 7:
A sell out crowd will be on hand to give WINX (7) a champion’s farewell as the mighty mare has her final career start. The daughter of Street Cry has been flawless this prep, winning the Apollo Stakes, Chipping Norton Stakes and the George Ryder Stakes. The placegetters she annihilated in the George Ryder – Brutal and Dreamforce, have since come out and run the quinella in the Doncaster Mile last Saturday. A winning finale for Winx is all but expected. HE’S EMINENT (4) looks the exacta horse after a strong Australian debut in the Ranvet Stakes. Will be fitter for the run. Is open to further improvement based on peak figures he produced when racing in Europe. HARTNELL (2) backs up after placing in the Doncaster Mile. Has finished second behind Winx on four occasions. Would be fitting to see him make it a handful. Something similar can be said for HAPPY CLAPPER (1). International Raiders DANZDANZDANCE (8) and KLUGER (5) can be tossed into multiples off solid Australian debuts.
Race 8:
MIDTERM (11) has looked great in his two runs so far this campaign, the latest a clinical two length success in the Manion Cup where he beat Big Duke. Will take up a forward position and looks timed to the minute for this contest third run from a spell. DUBHE (10) makes his Australian debut. Was last seen putting a margin on his rivals over this trip at Meydan. Stable last won this race in 2017 with Polarisation and will be looking to claim the Melbourne Cup-Sydney Cup double following Cross Counter’s Cup victory in November. BIG DUKE (5) meets Midterm 1.5kg better at the weights after running second to him in the Manion Cup. Has since recorded an impressive second to Avilius in the Tancred Stakes. Suited back to Handicap conditions. RONDINELLA (15) made an encouraging Australian debut when placing in the Tancred Stakes. Is very much a mare in form. SIR CHARLES ROAD (7) next after closing well in the Chairman’s Quality. Ran third to Who Shot Thebarman in the 2018 Sydney Cup.
Race 9:
ALIZEE (1) is the class mare of this field by some way. Backs up after disappointing in the Doncaster Mile where she was always well back. Struggled on the Soft track there. Expectation is she’ll get firmer ground here and are inclined to simply overlook the run. Finished third in the All Star Mile the start prior and before that was a dominant winner of the Futurity. Won this race 12 months ago. Can defend her title. PROMPT RESPONSE (2) comes out of the George Ryder Stakes which has already provided the Doncaster Mile quinella last Saturday. NAKEETA JANE (18) drops back from ten furlongs after a one paced effort in the Vinery Stud Stakes. The run prior finished third to boom colt The Autumn Sun in the Randwick Guineas. UNFORGOTTEN (7) is another who will appreciate the anticipated firmer ground. Has been the victim of circumstance this prep having either struck wet tracks or her champion stablemate Winx. DAYSEE DOOM (3) appeals third up off a brave second in the Emancipation Stakes.
Race 10:
WINTER BRIDE (6) hit the ground running with victory in the Wenona Girl Quality. Beat Spright on that occasion and now meets her 1.5kg better at the weights for beating her. Ultra consistent. Easy to like. SPRIGHT (5) has since come out and finished second in the William Reid Stakes behind Sunlight. Will settle back and be charging home. INVINCIBELLA (1) resumes. Is versatile and ultra consistent. Has an excellent first up record and is drawn to get a cosy run. I AM EXCITED (3) was making some late ground in the Galaxy. Resumed well the start prior when placing in the Triscay Stakes. RESIN (10) next best having placed at Group 3 level in both her runs this prep.
Race 4:
1. Kiamichi (5 stars)
3. Pin Sec (4 stars)
5. Cheer Leader (2 stars)
2. Anaheed (2 stars)
Race 5:
11. Avantage (5 stars)
1. Zousain (4 stars)
9. Sheriff (2 stars)
2. Encryption (2 stars)
Race 6:
1. Verry Elleegant (3 stars)
2. Aristia (3 stars)
6. Aliferous (3 stars)
10. Rocknavar (3 stars)
Race 7:
7. Winx (5 stars)
2. Hartnell (4 stars)
8. Danzdanzdance (2 stars)
1. Happy Clapper (2 stars)
Race 8:
17. Semari (3 stars)
5. Big Duke (3 stars)
15. Rondinella (3 stars)
8. Yogi (3 stars)
Race 9:
1. Alizee (5 stars)
8. Consensus (3 stars)
18. Nakeeta Jane (3 stars)
16. Amphitrite (3 stars)
Race 10:
1. Invincibella (5 stars)
14. Irithea (3 stars)
8. Egyptian Symbol (3 stars)
12. Manicure (3 stars)
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 4:
KIAMICHI (1) Solid effort when winning three runs back at Rosehill and going well this campaign. Has good tactical speed and will be nicely positioned. Go close. CHEER LEADER (5) Won easily last run at Moonee Valley but rising in grade. Has early speed and positions nicely. Winning chance in what appears a suitable race. PIN SEC (3) Pulled away to win two runs back at Canberra and always seems to find the line well. Has won 1 from 2 attempts this preparation. Likely threat. ATHIRI (6) Backing up quickly here. Has run into the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. This field suits.
Selections: 1 Kiamichi, 5 Cheer Leader, 3 Pin Sec, 6 Athiri
Race 5:
CLASSIQUE LEGEND (7) Shot away to win two runs back at Kensington but rising in class. Jockey Kerrin Mcevoy is a plus. Should take beating. AVANTAGE (11) Landed the spoils when winning last start at Rosehill and second up from a break. Opie Bosson and Jamie Richards are a promising combination. Right in the thick of it here and is a major player. ENCRYPTION (2) Flashed home late into 2nd three runs back at Caulfield and has been racing in stronger company. Always seems to find the line well. Strong claims. ZOUSAIN (1) Third up from a spell. Nice run placing 2nd two runs back at Caulfield and dropping in class. Could be value.
Selections: 7 Classique Legend, 11 Avantage, 2 Encryption, 1 Zousain
Race 6:
VERRY ELLEEGANT (1) Dominant winner last start in the Vinery Stud Stakes. Looks likely to make it 3 in a row today. FRANKELY AWESOME (3) Flew home into 2nd last start and looks like it will appreciate the step up in trip. Can win this. ARISTIA (2) 2017 VRC Oaks winner who has been racing well of late. Not out of the question to claim the Oaks double. SCARLET DREAM (7) May have struggled on the heavy track last start. Can bounce back.
Selections: 1 Verry Elleegant, 3 Frankely Awesome, 2 Aristia, 7 Scarlet Dream
Race 7:
WINX (7) The final time we will see her go around. Sit back and enjoy the ride. HE’S EMINENT (4) Impressed when running 2nd to Avilius last time out. Likely to do it again here. HAPPY CLAPPER (1) Uncharacteristically struggled in the All-Star Mile but should be better back in Sydney. Another 2nd placing isn’t out of reach. HARTNELL (2) Has run a place in his last 3 starts, all at Group 1 level. Can chalk another one up today.
Selections: 7 Winx, 4 He’s Eminent, 1 Happy Clapper, 2 Hartnell
Race 8:
DUBHE (10) Godolphin raider who gets in nicely at the weights. Looks the one to beat. MIDTERM (11) Improved last start with a win in the Manion Cup. Should go well today. BIG DUKE (5) Has been finishing his races well. Will have to make up ground from the wide barrier but can finish over the top of them. YOGI (8) Game effort behind Avilius last start. That form reads well here, each way.
Selections: 10 Dubhe, 11 Midterm, 5 Big Duke, 8 Yogi
Race 9:
ALIZEE (1) Classy mare who should appreciate dropping back to racing against her own sex. Looks well placed in this. NAKEETA JANE (18) Lightly raced 3yo filly with plenty of upside. Will appreciate the weight relief and can take this out. AMPHITRITE (16) Far from disgraced behind Mystic Journey in her last two starts. Each way claims. DIXIE BLOSSOMS (4) Racing well this prep. Can have an impact back in fillies and mares grade.
Selections: 1 Alizee, 18 Nakeeta Jane, 16 Ampitrite, 4 Dixie Blossoms
Race 10:
SPRIGHT (5) Flew home into 2nd last time at Moonee Valley and can go through the gears. Going well this campaign with 2 placings from 3 starts. Should go close. WINTER BRIDE (6) Having second run back from a spell. Won narrowly last run at this track and suited at this trip historically. Capable of getting into the money. I AM EXCITED (3) Proven record third up with 2 wins from 3 attempts. Nice run placing 3rd two runs back around here and has a nice turn of foot. Won’t be far away. RESIN (10) Dashed home into 2nd last time at Rosehill and third up from a spell. James Mcdonald and James Cummings must be respected together. Place hope.
Selections: 5 Spright, 6 Winter Bride, 3 I Am Excited, 10 Resin
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 4:
A very interesting affair for $1M plus. Two Godolphin fillies come again after racing last week. KIAMICHI is high grade but drops back from 1400m and onto a slightly drier surface. I’m not potting her at all (why would you) but I am prepared to look elsewhere. CHEER LEADER and FLIT competed against each other in a Bendigo Maiden (that neither of them won!) at the start of their careers but have done good things since. CHEER LEADER may lead out if she wants but I wouldn’t be surprised to see her take a trail as I expect VILLAMI to get rolling from the inside gate (and there’s KIAMICHI to factor into the speed as well of course).
Selections: 5. Cheer Leader, 4. Flit, 7. Villami, 1. Kiamichi
Race 5:
11, 8, 6 and 9 represent most of the speed and can put on a fairly genuine 1200m tempo I would think. ZOUSAIN draws out and I imagine might opt out of the speed fight for this? I’m far from 100% sure about that and I concede barrier 12 perhaps isn’t ideal but I’m someone who still believes in this horse pretty strongly as his detractors grow. Too many 2nds they say, which may be the case but some of those 2nds have been to The Autumn Sun and Sunlight so he’s a horse at a certain level. Pulled up slightly lame after contesting the Newmarket so look past that one. A trial win here a fortnight ago was rock-solid (drew in, on-pace).
Selections: 1. Zousain, 11. Avantage, 2. Encryption, 7. Classique Legend
Race 6:
Not much in the way of natural speed in this year’s Oaks. 15 is a rank roughie but her role may be to lead out. MARACAIBO crosses up (and has an each-way chance) and perhaps ARISTIA can be handy as well. VERRY ELEEGANT can proceed out to 2400m with some confidence I think despite the end of last prep (pulled way too hard in the VRC Oaks) giving some doubts in that regard. Waller seems to be bringing out her best now; after tinkering with some gear she travelled pretty well last start. FRANKELY AWESOME will relish the longer trip and made a little bit of ground on VERRY in the lead-up. ARISTA (already an Oaks winner obviously) is thereabouts for top three.
Selections: 1. Verry Elleegant, 3. Frankely Awesome, 2. Aristia, 5. Maracaibo
Race 7:
And here it is, the last go round, the great mare’s grand farewell. The final opportunity to see our girl excel. The day has dawned, the stage is set, the hype’s in overdrive. One more win to make it Group One number 25. And I’ll miss her, yes I will, the way she cruises round the bend, with Bowman sitting pretty as they easily extend. The opposition winces as they gracefully glide by, just one more time thanks Hughie as she goes out on a high. Her old mate HAPPY CLAPPER’s here and it looks like HARTNELL too. How fitting that the boys show up to say their last adieu. And great they both have been across the years in their own right, for 2nd to ‘the mighty mare’ has never been a slight. But wait you say, this race has brought some other champs undone, as at their final outing those ‘good things’ have been left stunned. Don’t say it!! Hush you! Silence! Be away with that foul jinx! Such a fate does not await upon this date for our great WINX! So gather round and watch her do it one more time with feeling. There’ll be shouting, they’ll be screaming, shaking, cheering, praying, squealing. The greatest that I’ve ever seen in all my many years. I tell you this for certain, win or lose, there will be tears.
Selections: 7. Winx, 1. Happy Clapper, 2. Hartnell, 4. He’s Eminent
Race 8:
Pace from (stablemates) 11 and 1. 15 and 19 can be handy and I presume so too can be DUBHE. Won here over 3200m last start he was up outside the leader and the further he went the stronger he looked. Nicely weighted, drawn to see a cushy time, McEvoy booked, on the up, canny trainer that is adept at picking out the right staying horse for the right staying race out here – that all adds up to watch out, I think he’s the one. MIDTERM has to extend to the distance but will be prominently placed and fight on. BIG DUKE was covered by that horse before a 2nd to Avilius. He’s going well clearly, but where might he get to from the outside barrier??
Selections: 10. Dubhe, 11. Midterm, 5. Big Duke, 16. Shraaoh
Race 9:
12 and 8 to get out front, 15 and 5 handy. PROMPT RESPONSE was runner-up in this race 12 months ago (to ALIZEE) and approaches it this time around 3rd-up from a barrier that gives Shinn all positive options in the running. 4th in the George Ryder last start. Ahead of her there? Winx and the Doncaster quinella. It’s the right form and this is the right race at the right time for a mare that is already a G1 winner. DIXIE BLOSSOMS put down the fastest final 600m in the Doncaster and that effort did her reputation no harm at all. Her only previous 7 day turnaround was a failure last prep but that was at 2000m. I’m always in her corner to run well.
Selections: 2. Prompt Response, 4. Dixie Blossoms, 6. Oregon’s Day, 18. Nakeeta Jane
Race 10:
By now we should know whether drawing down on the rail is an absolute no-no or not. The answer to that query is crucial for a couple of key runners in the last. INVINCIBELLA (barrier 2) goes really well fresh and she can wind up very strongly if she finds the right ground. Resumed in this last year and was super strong through the line. Won 1st-up last prep. WINTER BRIDE (gate 1) was undersold first-up but she simply should never be. She loves winning and may well keep on here. In this race 12 months ago QUILISTA got out and led by 6 or 7L and they just couldn?t get to her. She has changed hands since her return and trialled well up here in Sydney a couple of weeks ago.
Selections: 1. Invincibella, 6. Winter Bride, 3. I Am Excited, 5. Spright
Race 4:
1. Kiamichi (5 stars)
2. Flit (4 stars)
3. Cheer Leader (4 stars)
Race 5:
1. Encryption (5 stars)
2. Zousain (4 stars)
3. Avantage (4 stars)
Race 6:
1. Verry Elleegant (5 stars)
2. Frankely Awesome (4 stars)
3. Aliferous (4 stars)
Race 7:
1. Winx (5 stars)
2. He’s Eminent (4 stars)
3. Hartnell (3 stars)
Race 8:
1. Midterm (5 stars)
2. Dubhe (4 stars)
3. Big Duke (4 stars)
Race 9:
1. Alizee (5 stars)
2. Prompt Response (4 stars)
3. Nakeeta Jane (4 stars)
Race 10:
1. Winter Bride (5 stars)
2. Spright (4 stars)
3. I Am Excited (4 stars)
Race 4:
KIAMICHI (1) Solid effort when winning three runs back at Rosehill and going well this campaign. Has good tactical speed and will be nicely positioned. Go close. CHEER LEADER (5) Won easily last run at Moonee Valley but rising in grade. Has early speed and positions nicely. Winning chance in what appears a suitable race. PIN SEC (3) Pulled away to win two runs back at Canberra and always seems to find the line well. Has won 1 from 2 attempts this preparation. Likely threat. ATHIRI (6) Backing up quickly here. Has run into the money 3 from 4 attempts this campaign. This field suits
Race 5:
CLASSIQUE LEGEND (7) Shot away to win two runs back at Kensington but rising in class. Jockey Kerrin Mcevoy is a plus. Should take beating. AVANTAGE (11) Landed the spoils when winning last start at Rosehill and second up from a break. Opie Bosson and Jamie Richards are a promising combination. Right in the thick of it here and is a major player. ENCRYPTION (2) Flashed home late into 2nd three runs back at Caulfield and has been racing in stronger company. Always seems to find the line well. Strong claims. ZOUSAIN (1) Third up from a spell. Nice run placing 2nd two runs back at Caulfield and dropping in class. Could be value
Race 6:
VERRY ELLEEGANT (1) Dominant winner last start in the Vinery Stud Stakes. Looks likely to make it 3 in a row today. FRANKELY AWESOME (3) Flew home into 2nd last start and looks like it will appreciate the step up in trip. Can win this. ARISTIA (2) 2017 VRC Oaks winner who has been racing well of late. Not out of the question to claim the Oaks double. SCARLET DREAM (7) May have struggled on the heavy track last start. Can bounce back.
Race 7:
WINX (7) The final time we will see her go around. Sit back and enjoy the ride. HE’S EMINENT (4) Impressed when running 2nd to Avilius last time out. Likely to do it again here. HAPPY CLAPPER (1) Uncharacteristically struggled in the All-Star Mile but should be better back in Sydney. Another 2nd placing isn?t out of reach. HARTNELL (2) Has run a place in his last 3 starts, all at Group 1 level. Can chalk another one up today.
Race 8:
DUBHE (10) Godolphin raider who gets in nicely at the weights. Looks the one to beat. MIDTERM (11) Improved last start with a win in the Manion Cup. Should go well today. BIG DUKE (5) Has been finishing his races well. Will have to make up ground from the wide barrier but can finish over the top of them. YOGI (8) Game effort behind Avilius last start. That form reads well here, each way.
Race 9:
ALIZEE (1) Classy mare who should appreciate dropping back to racing against her own sex. Looks well placed in this. NAKEETA JANE (18) Lightly raced 3yo filly with plenty of upside. Will appreciate the weight relief and can take this out. AMPHITRITE (16) Far from disgraced behind Mystic Journey in her last two starts. Each way claims. DIXIE BLOSSOMS (4) Racing well this prep. Can have an impact back in fillies and mares grade.
Race 10:
SPRIGHT (5) Flew home into 2nd last time at Moonee Valley and can go through the gears. Going well this campaign with 2 placings from 3 starts. Should go close. WINTER BRIDE (6) Having second run back from a spell. Won narrowly last run at this track and suited at this trip historically. Capable of getting into the money. I AM EXCITED (3) Proven record third up with 2 wins from 3 attempts. Nice run placing 3rd two runs back around here and has a nice turn of foot. Won’t be far away. RESIN (10) Dashed home into 2nd last time at Rosehill and third up from a spell. James Mcdonald and James Cummings must be respected together. Place hope