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By Nick Berney

ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 2 # 1 – TEXAS FIREBALL

He profiles well and is ready to peak third-up, stepping out his preferred distance. The gelding had excuses first-up before having too much to do around an unsuitable tight-turning track. Further, he got too far back after being restrained from a wide draw but built momentum and savaged the line, clocking one of the meeting's fastest final 200m splits. He has strong form lines for this event, multiple winning figures and this is a clear target for the stable.

ROYAL RANDWICK – NEXT BEST: Race 10 # 9 – ACCREDITED

He's flying this preparation, has been heavily backed in both starts this campaign and has relished being back on dry surfaces. The five-year-old controlled the speed at his home track last start before sprinting away to win impressively by a significant margin. He accelerated hard in the straight, running a sharp 400m-200m split before being eased down late, and he went through the line full of energy. The gelding brings a fitness edge over his key rival, the best last-start figure, and although drawn awkwardly, he may get the track pattern to suit.

Callistemon (Bradley Photos)

ROYAL RANDWICK GARDENS – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 3 # 13 – CALLISTEMON

The four-year-old's sectional profile suggests she's going much better than the form guide reads, and the rise to 1600m on Saturday is ideal. She had too much to do last start with the race shape against but made up ground in the straight, and Punter's Intelligence recorded her final 200m in 12.14. She receives a significant barrier change, allowing her to settle closer. She drops in grade and a drier surface suits.

WYONG – PROVINCIAL PICK: Race 5 # 8 – MAGICAL MOMENTS

She returned a winner at Newcastle a fortnight ago and did it at both ends smashing the clock. The filly always faced the breeze in a genuine tempo, accelerated and showed late strength to pull away from the runner-up late. Further, she clocked the meeting's fastest final 200m split, ran a slick overall time, and the margin to third confirmed the quality. She has gone to a new level this prep and can make the step in grade.

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