Group One racing is finally back! The running of the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick marks the beginning of the new racing season at the top level, and an absolute cracking field has been assembled to take on the Randwick 1400m. Cup hopeful Master Of Wine begins his preparation, as well as previous G1 winners Dreamforce, The Bostonian, Fierce Impact and Verry Elleegant. All nine races on the card look outstanding, and it should be a great day for racing. The Valley down in Melbourne is also hosting some black-type events, headlined by the Carylon Stakes. Doomben, Morphettville, and Belmont round out the other metropolitan meetings, so take a look at PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby’s top five bets for the day.
Moonee Valley R1 #4 Coming Around $1.85 at PlayUp – Third up here off a very good win last start at Flemington over 1400m, beating the highly promising Laburnum with ease, and presenting a gap back to the third runner. Broke the 12 second barrier for his last 200m, which was many lengths faster than the other 1400m event earlier on that day. Fitter and improved again here, out to 1500m should suit no question. The wet track is no issue, and the track should be playing well early on in the day here, before the rain comes and chops it out. Short, but very hard to beat. Selections: 4-1-3-7
Moonee Valley R7 #3 Dexelation $11.00 at PlayUp – No complete knock on the favourite, but I want to be having something on this SA galloper today on an each way basis. Last start winner at the track and distance in weaker grade, but was entitled to drop out and run last after being smashed by two horses on the turn. Instead, Dexelation picked itself up off the ground and held a margin through the line for a very gallant win. Rock hard fit, and prefers the sting out of the track, is likely to roll forward here and could grab a break on the favourite and be hard to run down. Selections: 7-3-4-8
Moonee Valley R8 #2 Great Again $6.00 at PlayUp – Looks a great chance in a wide-open Listed event, hence why we are getting some nice odds. Sixth up into what has been a very successful prep, comes off a last start 2nd behind Home Of The Brave in equal grade down the Flemington straight, and was forced to race in the unsuitable area of the track. Recorded a lightning quick last 600m sectional, and the race rated well. Back on to heavy going here is very suitable, and should be able to sit in behind the two leaders and stalk them all the way. Untried at 1000m but I think he will handle it, he’s fit and forward and ready to go. Selections: 2-5-10-1
Randwick R4 #3 See You Soon $3.20 at PlayUp – First up here in the G2 Silver Shadow over 1200m, and I believe that this filly has returned very well into her 3yo prep. The recent trial on the Kensington track was a massive eye catcher, as she worked home through the line extremely well from back in the field. Back on a drying track will really suit, and I like the fact they have elected to go to 1200m first up, as I think this is the distance range she is looking for. Needs a touch of luck from barrier one if she gets back in the field, but Sam Clipperton stays aboard from the trials and I expect her to be right in the finish. Selections: 3-1-5-6
Randwick R7 #6 Imaging $18.00 at PlayUp – Making a case for Imaging here on an each-way basis at long odds. His run first up over 1200m in the G3 Missile at Rosehill was extremely unlucky. He loomed as the winner when taking a split towards the fence, but was squeezed out for room and completely stopped in his tracks. With even luck, I think he beats Eduardo that day, and Eduardo has since come out and won strongly again. The form lines stack up, he comes out to 1400m here second up with a great record at this distance (5:3-2-0), and a great second up record too (6:3-2-0). The soft track is preferred, and with any luck from barrier 17, he has to be a chance at big odds! Selections: 6-2-7-4
