We reach the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, and we are met with yet another fantastic day of racing, headlined by two Group 1’s at Randwick. The Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes for the 2yo’s, and the All Aged Stakes for our best sprint and middle distance horses. The rail is out quite a far way, so make sure to monitor the early races in case of any on speed bias, which has been prominent in the past. Down at Caulfield, there is an action-packed nice race card for the VOBIS series, with massive prize money on offer for owners and trainers, the former of which sadly cannot be on track for this outstanding day. Yet while one carnival ends, another begins, as the Adelaide carnival kicks off with two G3’s at Morphettville. PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has highlighted five best picks of the day, check it out below:
Caulfield R2 #6 Clarice Cliffs (BEST) $2.60 at PlayUp – This consistent mare has struck a very winnable race here over 1400m at the peak of her campaign. Last start over the same distance at Bendigo she only just missed in a driving finish, and her performance rated well that day behind a surprising winner in Snogging. Her best form comes at the 1400m, and she is rock hard fit here and ready to win. Cover midfield from barrier 8 should have her hard to beat. I’m willing to oppose Twitchy Frank, who has synthetic hoof filler on, and the others horses would need to pull off career best ratings to win this.
Caulfield R5 #9 Street Sheik $20.00 at PlayUp – Really excited with the big double figure price that is on offer about this guy. He has been freshened since disappointing in the Wangaratta Cup over 2000m at the end of Feb. Prior to that, he was consistently around the mark in the mid – staying journeys, including a strong 2nd at Caulfield, and a dominant win in the Camperdown Cup, both over a mile. He races very well fresh, with a 5:1-3-1 record, and likewise has never missed a top three spot when racing at this track & distance combined. Competing against some G1 level horses will be tough, but with any luck he can be right in the finish.
Randwick R2 #10 Miss Invincible $6.00 at PlayUp – This Bjorn Baker trained mare has come up at an outstanding price here first up. In her recent trial, she raced very wide without cover, and found the line very well under a big hold for what was an impressive trial victory. Her first up record is dynamic, having never missed the top two from four attempts. Going straight to the 1200m fresh would usually be a concern, but she has had two trials in preparation for this run, leading me to believe this could be a target race. From barrier 14 she pushes forward and sits handy to the speed, and can give a great sight.
Randwick R4 #5 Bottega $8.00 at PlayUp – Taking a slight risk here and tipping against the very talented favourite Quick Thinker, who I think could be vulnerable stepping back in trip after winning what was surely his grand final in the G1 ATC Derby. Therefore, i’ve landed on Bottega, who ran on very strongly against the pattern last start in a G3 over 1600m, just missing in a diving finish. Fourth up here ready to peak, and should definitely appreciate the step out to 2000m. May have to work against the pattern again, but if the track is playing fairly then Bottega is in with a real chance.
Randwick R5 #4 Holyfield $7.00 at PlayUp – One of the final G1 races for the Autumn carnival, and I’m tipping that Holyfield might be able to make it four wins from five career attempts, and add a deserved G1 victory to his name. What suits him best here is the serious lack of speed horses engaged in the relatively small field, which will allow Holyfield to lead, and dictate terms from the front to suit himself. He did exactly that last start in the G3 Baillieu, and was a dominant winner. The step out to the mile is an unknown factor, but I suspect he will handle it. Rock hard fit, holds weight, and Tom Marquand will be wanting to add to his G1 tally before he jets off!
Extra Tip: G1 All Aged Stakes tip (R7) – #2 Santa Ana Lane is the PlayUp Play of the Day at $6.00
