The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, April 20. The focus is on Randwick, which features two Group 1 races, the Champagne Stakes (Race 6) and All Aged Stakes (Race 7). Selected races at Oakbank and Caulfield 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 (we recommend the silver package).
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Best bets of the day
Randwick Race 4, No. 4 Into The Abyss
Randwick Race 6, Quinella: No. 1 Castelvecchio and No. 9 Loving Gaby
Randwick Race 8, No. 5 Easy Eddie to PLACE
Caulfield
Race 8, No. 2 Night’s Watch – 4 stars
Race 6, No. 2 Tell Me – each-way – 3.5 stars
Race 9: Back Enigman (11.00) to win.
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: ALL OVER BOSANOVA
Race 2: DARK PEARL
Race 3: INTUERI
Race 4: MUSIC BAY
Race 5: POISED TO STRIKE
Race 6: TELL ME
Race 7: KEMONO
Race 8: NIGHT’S WATCH
Race 9: CHAUFFER
Oakbank
Race 1, No. 2 Blue Morpho – BEST BET – 5 stars
Randwick
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 6: 1. LOVING GABY, 2. Castelvecchio, 3. Crystal Falls, 4. Fortress Command
Race 7: 1. OSBORNE BULLS, 2. Pierata, 3. Manuel, 4. D’bai
Race 3, No. 1 The Chosen One – 4.5 stars
Race 5, No.9 Our Libretto – 4 stars
Race 6:
Best bet: No. 1 Castelvecchio – 4.5 stars
Value: Lady Lupino ($15)
Exotic: Box Exacta 1,7,9,10
Race 7:
Best bet: D’bai ($5.50)
Next Best: Osborne Bulls ($3.60)
Exotic: Boxed Trifecta 2,3,6,14
Race 6:
Back Loving Gaby (2.50) to win.
Race 7:
Tips:
1. Le Romain
2. Osborne Bulls
3. D’bai
Suggested Bet(s):
Back Le Romain (11.00) to win.
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 2 #8 Passage of Time – VALUE BET
Race 4 #4 Into The Abyss – BEST BET
Race 7 #2 Osborne Bulls
Race 8 #2 Home of The Brave – LAY BET – bet against this horse with Betfair
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 3:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Lay – #11 Amangiri
Race 4:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #9 Etana; #4 Into The Abyss
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Low
Lay – #9 Our Libretto
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #1 Castelvecchio; #10 Lady Lupino
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #3 Pierata; #2 Osborne Bulls
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #2 Home Of The Brave
Race 3: Carif
Race 4: Into the Abyss
Race 5: Our Libretto
Race 6: Loving Gaby
Race 7: Pierata
Race 8: Home Of The Brave and Viridine
Race 3:
CARIF (5) won very impressively at Newcastle two back, before a real eye catcher late in the Tulloch Stakes last start. Finished fourth their with the quinella of the race going on to quinella the Derby. That looks to be the A1 form here and McEvoy continues his association with the 3YO. Likely to get back, but should be very strong late. DEALMAKER (2) was no match for his stablemate last start in the Carbine Club, but still found the line well enough and this looks to be his level. AMANGIRI (11) fought hard on-speed in the Adrian Knox Stakes last start and should be in this for a long way. THE CHOSEN ONE (1) the next in line.
Race 4:
INTO THE ABYSS (4) failed to get into the race first up before displaying sharp improvement last start when only narrowly beaten behind Multaja. Rates highly off the back of that effort and with further improvement expected, she should prove hard to beat. SO TAKEN (5) comes out of the same race and also improved sharply last start when finishing third. Has always shown good promise and looms as a major threat. SHE’S FURLINE (11) is tracking well this time in and has to be included in the main hopes, while JEN RULES (10) also has to be respected.
Race 5:
OUR LIBRETTO (9) makes the trip up the highway following an impressive display at Caulfield last start when too strong late over 2000m. Open to further improvement racing third up and is clearly a mare trending the right way. Well placed down in the weights and should prove hard to hold out late. ABDON (11) closed off very well behind his stablemate last start and he is sure to appreciate the step up in trip. Rates well on best form and looms as a major threat. LIBRAN (2) just peaked on his run late last start and should be nearing his top for this. Avdulla sticks (placed 7/13) and he has to be kept safe. MY NORDIC HERO (3) a sharp improver up in trip.
Race 6:
LOVING GABY (9) did a good job to run second in the Inglis Sires’ last start when she didn’t look to really handle the conditions. Still improved from a ratings perspective and now gets out to the mile. Will appreciate the much firmer footing and should prove hard to beat with JMac sticking aboard. CASTELVECCHIO (1) loomed up to win the Sires’ only to just peak on his run late. That should bring him on nicely for this, the only concern being he is likely to get back in a slowly run race. FORTRESS COMMAND (4) is trending the right way and notably gets the blinkers on for the first time, while POWER SCHEME (2) also holds minor claims.
Race 7:
PIERATA (3) was below his best in the TJ Smith Stakes last start, however his effort prior when narrowly beaten in the Galaxy was very good and a return to that level of form should see him very hard to beat. Berry sticks and he should be strong late. OSBORNE BULLS (2) was no match for Santa Ana Lane last start, but his performance still held merit and he obviously holds strong claims on best form. The inside draw a negative though. D’BAI (6) the big query runner. All reports are very good from the stable and he is trending the right way. HOME OF THE BRAVE (4) the sleeper in the race.
Race 8:
HOME OF THE BRAVE (2) raced in great order last preparation and remains a big watch fresh for the James Cummings stable. Two trials in the lead up have been very good and the booking of JMac is a decent push. Expected to roll forward and prove hard to get passed. Stablemate VIRIDINE (4) simply didn’t handle the track last start, but his effort prior was very good and he commands respect with Bowman aboard. EASY EDDIE (5) is airborne this preparation and has to be included in the main chances, while TREKKING (10) can also improve sharply second up.
Race 3:
11. Amangiri (5 stars)
12. On The White Turf (4 stars)
1. The Chosen One (3 stars)
2. Dealmaker (2 stars)
Race 4:
6. Laburnum (5 stars)
5. So Taken (3 stars)
8. Asharani (3 stars)
10. Jen Rules (3 stars)
Race 5:
8. Satono Rasen (3 stars)
6. Taikomochi (3 stars)
12. The Lord Mayor (3 stars)
9. Our Libretto (3 stars)
Race 6:
1. Castelvecchio (5 stars)
9. Loving Gaby (4 stars)
3. Vinco (2 stars)
4. Fortress Command (2 stars)
Race 7:
2. Osborne Bulls (3 stars)
14. Naantali (3 stars)
1. Le Romain (3 stars)
7. Manuel (3 stars)
Race 8:
5. Easy Eddie (5 stars)
8. Tyzone (3 stars)
11. Redouble (3 stars)
2. Home Of The Brave (3 stars)
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 3:
AMANGIRI (11) Won by a big margin two runs back at Hawkesbury and should come to hand quickly. Good chance to be first past the post. THE CHOSEN ONE (1) Brave effort to win two runs back at Awapuni and going down in grade. Should get going late. Appears well in this. DEAL MAKER (2) Nearly snapped up a win when 3rd last start at this venue. Could go well. HOUSE OF CARTIER (10) Was first to greet the judge when winning last time at Hawkesbury and has minimal work to do from the gate. Looks to have a good chance of placing.
Selections: 11 Amangiri, 1 The Chosen One, 2 Deal Maker, 10 House Of Cartier
Race 4:
INTO THE ABYSS (4) Flew home into 2nd last start here and finishes off strongly. Could take beating. SO TAKEN (5) Solid effort when winning three runs back at Warwick Farm. Expected to fight out the finish. LABURNUM (6) Made considerable ground when 2nd two runs back at Canberra. Goes very close. ETANA (9) Blitzed its rivals when winning three runs back at Sale. Capable of a place here and a good chance.
Selections: 4 Into The Abyss, 5 So Taken, 6 Laburnum, 9 Etana
Race 5:
HARIPOUR (5) Left nothing to chance when winning last start at Bendigo and going well this campaign. Right in this. OUR LIBRETTO (9) Got the upper hand late when winning last start at Caulfield and very competitive this preparation. Expect to go close. LIBRAN (2) Third up from a break. Showed a good turn of foot when 2nd last run at Rosehill but goes up in weight today. Looks good for a place bet. SEDANZER (4) Racing for the second time this week. Folded up in the straight when 15th last run here and might be ridden for luck. Chance for exotics punters.
Selections: 5 Haripour, 9 Our Libretto, 2 Libran, 4 Sedanzer
Race 6:
LOVING GABY (9) Has been performing well in strong races this prep. Looks set to break through for her maiden G1 victory today. CASTELVECCHIO (1) The step up to the mile should suit him perfectly. Can finish over the top of them late. FORTRESS COMMAND (4) Decent run when up in class last start. This is harder again but has each-way claims. POWER SCHEME (2) Just did enough to get the job done last time out. One at a bit of odds.
Selections: 9 Loving Gaby, 1 Castelvecchio, 4 Fortress Command, 2 Power Scheme
Race 7:
OSBORNE BULLS (2) Has finished 2nd in his last 3 starts, all at Group 1 level. Looks set to break through today. PIERATA (3) Looked a little flat last start in the TJ Smith, but should appreciate the step up to 1400m. Winning claims. D’BAI (6) Godolphin import who has run good races in Europe and Dubai. A win here would not surprise. LE ROMAIN (1) Even effort when 9th beaten 4L in the Doncaster Handicap. Place chance.
Selections: 2 Osborne Bulls, 3 Pierata, 6 D’Bai, 1 Le Romain
Race 8:
HOME OF THE BRAVE (2) Did enough to win two runs back at Rosehill and won’t be far away during the run. Appeals best. VIRIDINE (4) Third up today. Good run when placing 3rd two runs back here and will appreciate the drop in grade. Will run well here. EASY EDDIE (5) Fought on well to win two runs back at Rosehill and will find this grade easier. Looks a great place bet. TREKKING (10) Second up from a spell. Made up ground when 4th last run at Rosehill but will have to carry extra weight today. Solid each way claims.
Selections: 2 Home of the Brave, 4 Viridine, 5 Easy Eddie, 10 Trekking
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 3:
4, 7 and 12 also accepted for Kensington on Monday (in a much easier 1800m BM70). AMANGIRI continues on with her first prep after being (only just) rolled in the Adrian Knox two weeks ago. The two other placegetters from that race ran 4th/5th in the Oaks last week and a drier track holds no fears for her at all. THE CHOSE ONE very honourable in the Derby but will be giving a start as per normal, especially from this barrier. I’m not sold on DEALMAKER as a 2000m at this stage. Three attempts previously have seen him outside top three and just fair. Did run to/through the line well last start though.
Selections: 11. Amangiri, 1. The Chosen One, 2. Dealmaker, 5. Carif
Race 4:
Pace looks absolutely genuine from these fillies. 8 of the 14 come through the PJ Bell a fortnight ago. One that doesn’t is JEN RULES, but of course two starts ago she ran 2nd to Multaja who won the PJ Bell and JEN herself has won since that clash, albeit in lesser company (and much as expected). Trails nicely here and I dare say 1400m no issue despite her having two 1400m in Melbourne last prep and INTO THE ABYSS beating her home in both (JEN pulled up lame in one). ABYSS just needs a little luck from the rails barrier and she can threaten here again. ETANA is from left field and enjoys 1400m.
Selections: 10. Jen Rules, 9. Etana, 4. Into The Abyss, 8. Asharani
Race 5:
Waller with 7 of the 14 in the field proper. 6 and 8 to lead with 15, 13 in attendance. OUR LIBRETTO looks a great chance. Lightest raced here and held form deep into last campaign. No knock at all in this company. Indeed, she has beaten LIBRAN and was close-up behind Kenedna and Miss Siska at this distance last prep. The latter proved last week that Grahame Begg doesn’t send horses up here merely to catch up with old friends. Of Waller’s troop I thought MCREERY could be at some value perhaps. Has pleased enough with his two runs back and thought he could rise to the occasion 3rd-up out to a distance he has won over, a la stablemate THE LORD MAYOR last start.
Selections: 9. Our Libretto, 7. Mccreery, 11. Abdon, 6. Taikomochi
Race 6:
Pace from 10 and 12 essentially. Hardly rocket science to find the horses that come through the G1 Sires’. There was only a nose to separate LOVING GABY and CASTELVECCHIO there but I thought perhaps GABY would be finding a more advantageous spot here (again). Every run she’s had since her debut (all at G1 level) has been excellent. Try finding a knock on CASTELVECCHIO as well though. One of them gets the G1 breakthrough today. CRYSTAL FALLS seems to have even less early speed than CASTELVECCHIO but expect her to be strong late as well.
Selections: 9. Loving Gaby, 1. Castelvecchio, 11. Crystal Falls, 4. Fortress Command
Race 7:
The last of our Group Ones and it’s a ripper. Hopefully they all show up. (4, 9, 10 and 14 are dual acceptors.) OSBORNE BULLS draws the rail which may offer him some challenges if adopting his regular off-speed approach. 1400m won’t be his stumbling block (his record at the trip is rock-solid) but let’s have a good look at the pattern leading up to this race. PIERATA draws a lot further out, loves 1400, and would be obviously deserving of a G1 as well. HOME OF THE BRAVE (here or the next??) is happy fresh. Notable to see LE ROMAIN having blinkers added at start 36. Going OK this prep but draws for no easy run today.
Selections: 2. Osborne Bulls, 3. Pierata, 14. Naantali
Race 8:
2 and 6 also in the previous, 7 accepted for Melbourne, 8 in Brisbane. An intact field would see pace provided by 1 and 5, with 3 and 2 trailing up handy. EASY EDDIE has been one of those Pride-trained horses that just steadily make their way through the grades and eventually finding themselves resilient enough and talented enough to compete at the highest level. EDDIE’s Galaxy run is just great for something like this and he has shown before he can switch off wet back onto dry without missing a beat. Respect to HOME OF THE BRAVE if he takes this option. TREKKING spaced his rivals in a trial since the first-up run.
Selections: 5. Easy Eddie, 2. Home Of The Brave, 9. Brave Song, 10. Trekking
Race 3:
1. Carif (5 stars)
2. Dealmaker (4 stars)
3. Amangiri (4 stars)
Race 4:
1. Into The Abyss (5 stars)
2. So Taken (4 stars)
3. She’s Furline (4 stars)
Race 5:
1. Our Libretto (5 stars)
2. Abdon (4 stars)
3. Libran (4 stars)
Race 6:
1. Loving Gaby (5 stars)
2. Castelvecchio (4 stars)
3. Fortress Command (4 stars)
Race 7:
1. Pierata (5 stars)
2. Osborne Bulls (4 stars)
3. D’bai (4 stars)
Race 8:
1. Home Of The Brave (5 stars)
2. Viridine (4 stars)
3. Easy Eddie (4 stars)
Race 3:
AMANGIRI (11) Won by a big margin two runs back at Hawkesbury and should come to hand quickly. Good chance to be first past the post. THE CHOSEN ONE (1) Brave effort to win two runs back at Awapuni and going down in grade. Should get going late. Appears well in this. DEAL MAKER (2) Nearly snapped up a win when 3rd last start at this venue. Could go well. HOUSE OF CARTIER (10) Was first to greet the judge when winning last time at Hawkesbury and has minimal work to do from the gate. Looks to have a good chance of placing
Race 4:
INTO THE ABYSS (4) Flew home into 2nd last start here and finishes off strongly. Could take beating. SO TAKEN (5) Solid effort when winning three runs back at Warwick Farm. Expected to fight out the finish. LABURNUM (6) Made considerable ground when 2nd two runs back at Canberra. Goes very close. ETANA (9) Blitzed its rivals when winning three runs back at Sale. Capable of a place here and a good chance
Race 5:
HARIPOUR (5) Left nothing to chance when winning last start at Bendigo and going well this campaign. Right in this. OUR LIBRETTO (9) Got the upper hand late when winning last start at Caulfield and very competitive this preparation. Expect to go close. LIBRAN (2) Third up from a break. Showed a good turn of foot when 2nd last run at Rosehill but goes up in weight today. Looks good for a place bet. SEDANZER (4) Racing for the second time this week. Folded up in the straight when 15th last run here and might be ridden for luck. Chance for exotics punters
Race 6:
LOVING GABY (9) Has been performing well in strong races this prep. Looks set to break through for her maiden G1 victory today. CASTELVECCHIO (1) The step up to the mile should suit him perfectly. Can finish over the top of them late. FORTRESS COMMAND (4) Decent run when up in class last start. This is harder again but has each-way claims. POWER SCHEME (2) Just did enough to get the job done last time out. One at a bit of odds.
Race 7:
OSBORNE BULLS (2) Has finished 2nd in his last 3 starts, all at Group 1 level. Looks set to break through today. PIERATA (3) Looked a little flat last start in the TJ Smith, but should appreciate the step up to 1400m. Winning claims. D’BAI (6) Godolphin import who has run good races in Europe and Dubai. A win here would not surprise. LE ROMAIN (1) Even effort when 9th beaten 4L in the Doncaster Handicap. Place chance
Race 8:
HOME OF THE BRAVE (2) Did enough to win two runs back at Rosehill and won’t be far away during the run. Appeals best. VIRIDINE (4) Third up today. Good run when placing 3rd two runs back here and will appreciate the drop in grade. Will run well here. EASY EDDIE (5) Fought on well to win two runs back at Rosehill and will find this grade easier. Looks a great place bet. TREKKING (10) Second up from a spell. Made up ground when 4th last run at Rosehill but will have to carry extra weight today. Solid each way claims