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By Nick Berney

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 3 # 9 – CHARMING LEGEND

Keen on him at the price after an impressive debut win at Kensington 10 days ago. The three-year-old wasn't suited to the sit/sprint race shape, but once he got his mind on the job and built momentum, he savaged the line. Further, he clocked the meeting's fastest final 200m split, went through the line full of energy and did it in style, pricking his ears late. He has come in on a smart base figure, and all key indicators suggest he can only step off that performance, with the mile being ideal second-up. In addition, he'll need some luck from the draw, but expect him to have the last shot.

Contemporary (Bradley Photos)

ROYAL RANDWICK – NEXT BEST: Race 9 # 11 – CONTEMPORARY

He went to a new level first-up at Hawkesbury when winning and ran smart time even after having last use of a deteriorating track. The Godolphin galloper's effort was full of merit, and although run to suit, he put his rivals away with ease. Further, he accelerated hard and ran over the top of them, clocking one of the meeting's fastest final 400m splits. He is 49 days between runs but has had a tick-over trial, and with the anticipated genuine tempo, he will get his chance to be strong late.

ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 5 # 8 – KERGUELEN

He debuted at Kembla Grange 35 days ago on a heavy-rated surface and smashed the clock relative to the day. The three-year-old posted an overall time of 1:13.17, the fastest of all 1200m events, with a sample size of four races, including a Benchmark 68. He's had a trial between runs, and although he jumps sharply in grade, he profiles to be able to make the step. The Godolphin galloper can roll forward with James McDonald doing the steering, and his figures lines up well here with the prospect of improvement.

NEWCASTLE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 7 # 7 – FAKHRA

The import resumes after a 105-day break and is ready to run well after two trials, giving him a solid platform. He is in his second prep under the guidance of Chris Waller, and he brings strong form lines from the last campaign around the likes of Group 2 subsequent winner Wymark. The gelding has a superior ratings profile relative to his rivals, and with the anticipated genuine tempo, he'll get his chance to run over the top.

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