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By Nick Berney

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 5 # 8 – MIRACLE SPIN

Keen on him at the price and expect him to improve sharply in this assignment with a more positive race setup. The gelding was 35 days between runs last start, was solid in the market, and hit the line well, recording strong late splits. Everything about his profile suggests he can only step off that performance, and his peak figure came at this track/distance last prep when running a narrow second to the subsequent Listed winner Naval College. In addition, barrier one is ideal, where he can be smothered away doing no work, he receives a weight swing in his favour against some of his key rivals, and Jason Collett goes back on who has an impressive record on him. He will need a touch of luck, but he represents value.

Mad Darcey (Pic: Bradley Photos)

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST VALUE: Race 1 # 14 – MAD DARCEY

She has gone to a new level this prep, and both runs this time have had merit. She won with ease/style first-up at Gosford and hit the line hard to run second in a high-rating Midway at this track a fortnight ago. Further, she had the race shape against, and the clock backed up the visuals. The five-year-old only has to hold her form to win, and the extra 100m suits with a favourable draw.

ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 8 # 4 – LEARNING TO FLY

She returned in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stake (1200m) off a 336-day break and was brave in defeat, running second after SPing favourite. The filly was restrained from a wide draw, not suited to the race shape and had to use her energy mid-race. However, she came out to win at the top of the straight, sprinting one of the meeting's fastest 400m-200m splits in 10.78 before peaking on her run. She is an improving type, can settle closer and deserves favouritism.

NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 5 # 14 – SHE’S GOT VEUVE

Keen on her, and she's ready to peak third-up. The filly was 29 days between runs last start at this track/distance and was completely unsuited to the farcical tempo after being restrained back to the rear from an awkward draw. Her run had hidden sectional merit after having too much to do, and she kept trying to the line, running some of the meeting's fattest final closing splits. She can settle closer; back to a drier surface is ideal, and she is over the odds.

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