The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, April 18. The highlight of the day is the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (Race 7) at Randwick. The other group races at Randwick are also covered, along with selected races at Caulfield and Morphettville. More tips and previews will be added as they become available.
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Best bets
Caulfield Race 3: No. 2 Pippie
Randwick Race 3: No. 2 Rubisaki
Randwick Race 5: No. 1 King’s Legacy
Randwick Race 6: No. 5 Shared Ambition
Caulfield
Race 3, No.2 Pippie – 4.5 stars
Race 7, No.4 Eduardo – 3.5 stars
Quaddie: 1,2,7,10,11,12,15/1,4,9,10,11/2,10,14/2,3,8,12
Morphettville
Race 6, No.7 Sunlight – 3.5 stars
Race 9, No.14 Lassiter – 3.5 stars
Randwick
Race 2, No.3 Taniko – 3.5 stars
Race 4, No.3 Entente – 3.5 stars
Race 6, No.5 Shared Ambition – 3.5 stars
Race 7:
1. Bivouac – BEST BET – 4.5 stars
2. Santa Ana Lane
3. Pierata
4. Dreamforce
5. Tofane
Best Bet: Bivouac ($4.80)
Exotic: Box Trifecta: 1,2,3,11
Quaddie: 2,5,9/2,11/1,2,5/3,10,11,15
Race 5:
1. Holyfield
2. King’s Legacy
3. Ole Kirk
Race 7:
1. Bivouac
2. Fierce Impact
3. Dreamforce
Race 4, No. 12 Kinane
Race 5, No. 1 King’s Legacy
Race 7, No. 1 Pierata
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Previews:
Race 1: TORO TORO
Race 2: TANIKO
Race 3: RUBISAKI
Race 4: QUICK THINKER
Race 5: 1. OLE KIRK, 2. King’s Legacy, 3. Untamed, 4. Holyfield
Race 6: SHARED AMBITION
Race 7: 1. SANTA ANA LANE, 2. Pierata, 3. Dreamforce, 4. Tofane
Race 8: TREKKING
Race 9: DR DRILL
Race 3: Rubisaki
Race 4: Entente
Race 5: King’s Legacy
Race 6: Shared Ambition
Race 7: Pierata
Race 8: Kementari
Race 3:
No reason to jump off RUBISAKI (2) as she looks to make it six straight wins. Comes here after winning the Kewney Stakes over 1400m at Flemington before a dominant success at this course in the PJ Bell Stakes over 1200m. Is again pitchforked into this event under Set Weights plus Penalties. Will enjoy all of the favours in transit from barrier 2. MIRRA VISION (5) won at the midweeks first up before narrowly missing out on some black type in the Darby Munro Stakes behind her stablemate California Zimbol. Holds value appeal back to fillies and mares grade. AKARI (4) was fair behind Rubisaki in the PJ Bell Stakes. Better suited up to this distance and gets the Blinkers reapplied. SUBPOENAED (6) struggled over ten furlongs in the Vinery Stud Stakes last start. Prior to that hit the line well in the Kembla Classic. Not easy dropping back so sharply in trip but write off the Waller stable at your peril.
Race 4:
ENTENTE (3) is a horse on the up. Has improved with each run this prep and led throughout to take out the Carbine Club at this course over the mile a fortnight ago. Prior to that broke his maiden at Hawkesbury. Defeated Quintessa on that occasion who placed in the Australian Oaks last Saturday. Weights and measures have QUICK THINKER (1) as being mighty hard to beat. Drops back in trip after winning the Australian Derby. Took out the Tulloch Stakes over this trip at Rosehill the start prior. Clearly the proven runner of the field but dropping back to the Frank Packer Plate off a Derby success does profile as something of an afterthought. Also have concerns he’ll get posted early from the wide gate. BOTTEGA (5) was closing off well behind Entente in the Carbine Club. Has improved with each run this prep and should be peaking fourth run from a spell. PANCHO (2) creates interest off a let up following a battling sixth in the Rosehill Guineas. Easier here and has since won a trial.
Race 5:
KING’S LEGACY (1) comes here looking to become the first two-year-old since Guelph in 2013 to claim the Sires’ Produce – Champagne Stakes double. Settled well back in the Sires’ before sustaining a lengthy run to reel in Prague over the closing stages. Should be time to the minute for this third up and out to the mile. Stablemate UNTAMED (5) also comes into this third run from a spell. Resumed with a second in the Schweppervescence before going one better in the Fernhill Mile at this track and trip last Saturday. OLE KIRK (6) made an encouraging Sydney debut when fourth to King’s Legacy in the Sires. James McDonald takes the ride. HOLYFIELD (4) next best not seen since his win in the Schweppervescence. Form got a push thanks to runner up Untamed winning the Fernhill last Saturday.
Race 6:
SHARED AMBITION (5) returns to ten furlongs after a battling effort in the Doncaster Mile a fortnight ago. The start prior was a dominant winner of the Randwick City Stakes. Much better placed at this level over this trip. BEST OF DAYS (3) struggled in the Doncaster Mile on the rain affected ground. First up run in the George Ryder was fair and looks set to get back on firmer footing. Form during the spring on firmer ground at Group 1 level was strong. YULONG PRINCE (2) also comes out of the Doncaster where he finished midfield. Easier here and his second in the Ajax Stakes was full of merit. NORWAY (7) has value appeal. Drops back sharply in grade from the Ranvet Stakes and now has Blinkers applied for the first time. Best UK form would see him take some beating here. LIFE LESS ORDINARY (4) looks set to get back on a firmer track after fair efforts in the Sky High Stakes and the Neville Selwood. Honest old campaigner who should enjoy a kind run from gate 1.
Race 7:
The last Group 1 of the Sydney autumn carnival. 2019 All Aged Stakes winner PIERATA (1) has been finding the line well in each of his two runs this prep, finishing just out of the placings in both the Galaxy and the TJ Smith Stakes. Should be timed to the minute for this. BIVOUAC (11) was slow away but making late ground in the TJ Smith Stakes. Won the Golden Rose over this trip during the spring. SANTA ANA LANE (2) was solid to the line as runner up behind Nature Strip in the TJ Smith Stakes. Has honest as they come and will be doing his best work late. Speaking of which, DREAMFORCE (3) appeals off his brave win in the George Ryder Stakes. Fell just short of winning the Apollo Stakes when second to Alizee in February. STANDOUT (14) has been freshened since disappointing in the Canterbury Stakes. Kept ticking over with a Warwick Farm trial. Stable won this race in 2018 with Trapeze Artist.
Race 8:
KEMENTARI (2) produced a closing third off a lengthy spell first up in the Star Kingdom Stakes. Would have been in dire need of that outing. Wouldn’t have looked out of place in the All Aged Stakes off the strength of that first up display. Easier here and well drawn. Appears well placed. DEPRIVE (5) was making late ground in The Galaxy when fourth to I Am Excited. Fitter again third up and loves this track. James Cummings holds all of the aces here. TREKKING (1) was making late ground first up in the TJ Smith Stakes. Easier here and second up record is excellent. IN HER TIME (4) is a chance of spoiling the Godolphin Blue party off two sound runs this prep. ALL TOO ROYAL (13) a sprinter on the up. Holds some value appeal.
Race 3:
2. Rubisaki (5 stars)
8. Rocha Clock (4 stars)
7. Enchanted Heart (2 stars)
5. Mirra Vision (2 stars)
Race 4:
1. Quick Thinker (5 stars)
9. Gone Bye (4 stars)
3. Entente (2 stars)
10. Relucent (2 stars)
Race 5:
1. King’s Legacy (3 stars)
4. Holyfield (3 stars)
5. Untamed (3 stars)
7. Not An Option (3 stars)
Race 6:
5. Shared Ambition (3 stars)
15. Rainbow Thief (3 stars)
16. Shadow Flight (3 stars)
9. Oceanex (3 stars)
Race 7:
2. Santa Ana Lane (3 stars)
1. Pierata (3 stars)
3. Dreamforce (3 stars)
11. Bivouac (3 stars)
Race 8:
12. Deep Image (3 stars)
16. Handle The Truth (3 stars)
1. Trekking (3 stars)
17. Signore Fox (3 stars)
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 3:
Good bunch of fillies but precious little speed in this one. 5 and 1 look the leaders and if ROCHA CLOCK jumps on terms (which she did in her latest trial) she could potentially cross up close. That’s a fair ‘if’ though and probably a moot point anyway as RUBISAKI looks as though she’ll continue on her merry path. She’s in her comfort zone at the moment meeting her own age and sex but it won’t be long before she’s taking on the highest level. She’s been happily backable (b/t $2.15 – $4.20) in all her wins to date but presumably is sent out well into the red today. MIRRA VISION is pretty classy herself and will likely be ahead of her key rival in the run.
Selections: 2. Rubisaki (top tip), 5. Mirra Vision, 8. Rocha Clock, 4. Akari
Race 4:
3 to lead 9, 7 and 1. QUICK THINKER drops back 400m from Derby glory and I must admit the temptation to overthink why he persists with his prep is pretty strong. With a prize of $70K to the winner, does he really need to prove anything beyond what he has done thus far, this Derby-winning son of So You Think. His future is assured as is but a hardy NZer at the peak of his powers may just simply relish the racing in uncertain times. ENTENTE gets out rolling and is well on the up. POWER SCHEME and CHUCK A LUCK had only a nose separate them at Mornington and both have gone well since. POWER some query at 2000m? CHUCK first time to it.
Selections: 1. Quick Thinker (top tip), 3. Entente, 6. Chuck A Luck, 7. Power Scheme
Race 5:
A lack of pace from these youngsters but we may see some try their hand at being more forward as they rise to the mile. UNTAMED and FAYERRA of course had their 1600m run last week and UNTAMED was right up to expectations. Like where he is at in his prep 3rd-up and already proven at the distance. Stablemate KING’S LEGACY was solid in the SIres’ and also takes this on at third run in. Hard to see him being scared off by the extra furlong. OLE KIRK through that race looks a real chance as well and HOLYFIELD has won three of four and was terribly unlucky in the other. Another G1 for Marquand??
Selections: 5. Untamed (top tip), 1. King’s Legacy, 6. Ole Kirk, 4. Holyfield
Race 6:
Precious few speed runners. 11 looks the likely leader and 5 might have to cross close-up (maybe???). 15 handy if here but needs a few scratchings to get in. Waller with half the field proper and most with a strong hope. He sent out NORWAY in the very strong Ranvet and while he was never any threat of winning he wasn’t miles behind Nettoyer (Doncaster winner since) and Danzdanzdance (G1-placed last week). Blinkers applied today, I think he may be worth a chance against a lesser lineup like this. Things didn’t pan out for SHARED AMBITION in the Doncaster but this suits if he can see any luck from out wide. NIGHTS WATCH next best. LIFE LESS ORDINARY has each-way hopes but could get buried from gate 1.
Selections: 7. Norway (top tip), 5. Shared Ambition, 6. Night’s Watch, 4. Life Less Ordinary
Race 7:
This is our last G1 in Sydney for a while and although there are only two last start winners in the race it is a damn good lineup. Speed from 3 and 8 while 10, 11 and 12 can all trail up handy. BRANDENBURG is fast developing into one of my favourite horses. Back to the distance of both his victories here and while Boss is riding great at the moment having Rachel King back aboard is certainly no negative for mine. Should secure a lovely run in the race. Blinkers first time. SANTA ANA LANE drawn inside and will need plenty to go right from in there. Drew 2 last start and in the Everest as well though. He’ll just do what he does! Gun run for BIVOUAC and DREAMFORCE may take some catching.
Selections: 12. Brandenburg (top tip), 2. Santa Ana Lane, 11. Bivouac, 3. Dreamforce
Race 8:
Look for speed from 12 and 6 with 16 and 7 also handy. Can’t see them really racing along and that slightly tempers the enthusiasm about TREKKING but still happy to be with him, through a much stronger race in which he held his own pretty well. The drier track is a positive. Stablemate DEPRIVE loves it here obviously and could be very dynamic late. LE ROMAIN’s only 1200m ‘misses’ have been 4th placings in a TJ and an Everest. Could be undersold here but his fresh record is strong and he trialled acceptably recently (though beaten by stablemate GRAFF). IN HER TIME has competed at G1 level (or G1 equivalent; a la The Everest) her last eight runs and 12 of her last 13. This still strong but she can have a big say.
Selections: 1. Trekking (value bet), 5. Deprive, 6. Le Romain, 4. In Her Time
Race 3:
Rubisaki (5 stars)
Subpoenaed (4 stars)
Mirra Vision (5 stars)
Race 4:
Quick Thinker (5 stars)
Bottega (5 stars)
Entente (5 stars)
Race 5:
King’s Legacy (5 stars)
Ole Kirk (4 stars)
Untamed (4 stars)
Race 6:
Shared Ambition (5 stars)
Yulong Prince (5 stars)
Night’s Watch (4 stars)
Race 7:
Bivouac (5 stars)
Santa Ana Lane (5 stars)
Pierata (5 stars)
Race 8:
Kementari (5 stars)
Deprive (5 stars)
Trekking (4 stars)
Race 3:
RUBISAKI (2) Good win last start at this course and gets a favourable draw. Flawless this preparation with 5 wins from as many runs. Might take a while to wind up but should be hitting top gear in the straight. Gets the green light today as the race suits and will be difficult to beat. AKARI (4) Did its best work late when 3rd last start at this venue. Betting is the best guide and has each way claims. MIRRA VISION (5) Third up. Got the upper hand late when winning two runs back here. Will be there at the finish. SUBPOENAED (6) Ran on strongly when 2nd three runs back at Rosehill and dropping in class. Likely to get back. Looks a good chance of finishing in the money.
Race 4:
QUICK THINKER (1) Was fighting out the finish when winning last start at this venue and going well this campaign. Should enjoy a cosy run off the pace. Genuine contender and likely to be first past the post. BOTTEGA (5) Showed a good turn of foot when 2nd last start at this track. Possesses good finishing speed. Looks a great place bet. ENTENTE (3) Fought on gamely when winning last run at this course and can save some energy from the alley. Likely to be well placed early. Can be competitive. CHUCK A LUCK (6) Game effort to win two runs back at Mornington and goes down in weight. Could give a show.
Race 5:
KING’S LEGACY (1) Really dug deep when winning last start in the Inglis Sires’ and always seems to find the line well. Take beating. OLE KIRK (6) Brave effort to win three runs back in the Talindert Stakes. Possesses good closing speed. Goes very close. HOLYFIELD (4) Displayed potential when winning last start in the Schweppervescence and shows good early pace. Very tidy this campaign winning 3 from 4 starts. Among the chances. AIM (3) Produced an eye catching run when 3rd three runs back in the Skyline Stakes. Should just about get the run of the race. Market may be ultimate guide.
Race 6:
SHARED AMBITION (5) Scored a victory two runs back around here but hoping that the added weight won’t hurt. Always seems to find the line well. Classy enough for this field and is one of the major players. YULONG PRINCE (2) Good run when finishing 2nd two runs back at Rosehill but rises in weight today. No shock to see a win. NIGHT’S WATCH (6) Was fighting out the finish when winning two runs back at Rosehill but rising in weight today. Should be swooping on the field late. Strong each way hope. LIFE LESS ORDINARY (4) Was $3.5 and 3.8l behind the winner at Rosehill last time on a soft surface. Looks well placed against these and gets the perfect alley. Every chance today.
Race 7:
SANTA ANA LANE (2) Third up from a spell. Caught the eye when 2nd last start in the T J Smith Stakes and has drawn the rails. Worth a ticket. PIERATA (1) Having third run back from a spell. Did a good job when winning three runs back in the Redzel Stakes and easy to come into at this distance. Expect to go close. BIVOUAC (11) Left nothing to chance when winning three runs back in the Seppelt Wines Newmarket Hcp. Big danger. DREAMFORCE (3) Fought on gamely when winning last start in the Agency George Ryder Stakes and strong performer at the distance. Will be positive in the run early. Right in this.
Race 8:
KEMENTARI (2) Rattled home nicely into 3rd last time at Rosehill and gets a nice run behind the speed. This field suits. DEPRIVE (5) Looked good when 4th last run at Rosehill and finishes off strongly. Should go well. TREKKING (1) Snuck in a place when 2nd three runs back at Rosehill and generally strong second up. Possesses very good finishing speed. Will give a big sight. IN HER TIME (4) Couldn’t keep the pace going when 3rd three runs back at Flemington and likely to race off the speed. Each way hope.
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 1 #18 Foxie La Belle – VALUE BET
Race 3 #2 Rubisaki – BEST BET
Race 4 #1 Quick Thinker – LAY BET
Race 7 #2 Santa Ana Lane
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #1 Pierata
Race 5:
BACK – Kings Legacy – Bet to WIN (stake 1.4% of your bank)
BACK – Holyfield – Bet to WIN (stake 0.6% of your bank)