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By Ray Hickson

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 6 # 2 – BUILLT

Everything about this Chris Waller-trained galloper’s last start says he’s in great order. He settled a long way off the leader, and winner, and continued to build his speed from well before midrace over the mile so he was chasing a long way out. He’s clocked easily the fastest last 600m of the race in a very impressive performance. He was a month between runs going into that so the shorter turnaround should be a plus and he’s drawn nicely plus has James McDonald on board. Only needs to back up that last effort and he can go one better.

James McDonald wins on Buillt (Pic: Bradley Photos)

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST VALUE: Race 7 # 3 – BATTLETON

Had support when he resumed in a higher benchmark race won by Waihaha Falls two weeks ago and ran up to expectation by being right in the finish, beaten just over a length. Drops in grade and has the added fitness from that run which helps offset the 6kg weight rise for the lesser class. Draws nicely and the blinkers go on for the first time, showing the stable means business. Generally a consistent performer and if the shades can help him find that extra length he’ll be hard to beat at decent odds in a race that should suit a horse with a finish.

ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 4 # 1 – TERRA MATER

Yes she’s a short priced favourite but she couldn’t have done a lot more in winning second-up over the same course in Midway company. Sat on speed in her first-up win then drifted back and came with a big rush to post what looked a soft win to the eye. Just a tick outside the fastest last 600m of the race running 34.61, but Punter’s Intelligence showed she ran easily the fastest 400m-200m in 11.28 and held that sprint pretty well with an 11.69 final 200m. Versatile type, drawn wide so it’ll be interesting to see if they go forward or back but clearly has the turn of foot to cope with either.

WYONG – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 3 # 14 – RUSSIAN SNITZEL

David Pfeiffer appears to have found a nice race to kick off this Russian Revolution filly’s career in a Midway restricted maiden. He’s taken his time with her giving her a number of trials throughout 2023 and she’s performed well on each occasion. Was five weeks between trial wins when scoring by over three lengths at Warwick Farm on December 22, she led and was held back to them before kicking away for a nice win. Draws well and the Wyong 1000m should suit a filly with a bit of pace like her.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting