By Nick Berney
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 5 # 2 – JUST PARTY
He improved sharply with the blinkers on for the first time last start in the Listed Tapp-Craig (1400m) and just missed in a tight finish. The colt had factors against him after being slowly away, couldn't build momentum at key stages and had to make his run through the inferior ground. Further, he hit the line hard, running one of the meeting's fastest final 200m splits, and his work past the post had merit. The colt has a strong platform, is at optimal fitness, draws to be smothered away and can step again with his second run with the blinkers on.
ROYAL RANDWICK – VALUE BET: Race 10 # 9 – SOUNDS OF HEAVEN
She is building towards a peak performance and finds a winnable race here. The mare hasn't been suited to the sit/sprint race shapes in both of her starts this preparation and was caught out on a limb last start. The mare has the potential to improve sharply here on the quick backup, with the blinkers being applied for the first time. In Addition, she is third-up and gets in with only 52kg. Each-way.
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 9 # 12 – TERRITORY EXPRESS
He had too much to do first-up, and his run had hidden merit. The gelding was restrained from a wide draw in a big field and got too far back in the run whilst not suited to the pace of the race. To his credit, he made up significant ground in the straight whilst having interference, and Punter's Intelligence recorded he ran the race's fastest final 600m in 32.92. The Paul Niceforo trained runner will relish the anticipated high-pressure event, and the rise in trip is ideal.
KEMBLA GRANGE – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 2 # 9 – ZAN
Keen on her, and her run was full of merit first-up at this track a fortnight ago. The filly was heavily backed at the death of betting but wasn't suited to the farcical race speed, but she built through her gears and savaged the line, running one of the meeting fastest 400m/200m splits. Further, that race produced a high rating last section and the margins throughout confirmed the quality. The Craig Carmody trained runner will be fitter for that, the rise in trip suits, and she maps to have all favours.
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting