Dean Watling has broken down every runner in Saturday’s Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick, with star filly Tempted returning to her pet trip in what shapes as a fast-run and high-pressure edition of the race. There looks to be genuine depth right through the field, with several key hopes needing the race to unfold their way.
Dean Watling’s speed map:
Beiwacht – This seems very much an afterthought for the Golden Rose winner. Strange prep, 1000m to 1500m, now back to 1200m. He draws well, drops sharply in class and can improve.
Devil Night – You could make a case he wins the William Reid with even luck. Should get a lovely suck run on the fence and with the rail out +4m that’ll likely be a positive. Looks over the odds, doesn’t he?
Grafterburners – Has a stack of ability but is his own worst enemy in the barriers. Damien Lane jumps aboard and if anyone can get him to settle pre-race it’ll be Lane. Draws a lovely gate and has plenty of options early. Can only see him getting every chance.
Skyhook – May have needed the first-up run in the Darby Munro, had the run of the race and if good enough, should have won. Strips fitter and again draws a dream barrier. Needs to find 1-2L though to be the winner.
Pallaton – The big loser from the barrier draw. Will likely be shoved to the fence with plenty of speed drawn outside of him. Looks sticky, blinkers and tongue tie first time are intriguing.
Beadman – Will need a James McDonald peach to slot in from barrier 9. Looks to be plenty of speed drawn under him as well, ideally he’ll tag the 3-wide line with cover. If so, he can win from there.
Nashville Jack – Hard horse to catch, has form around Grafterburners but failed last start. $126 does look big if he’s right, but that’s a big if.
Marhoona – The G1 Galaxy winner. Another who looks hindered by a wide barrier, has tactical speed but either her or Beadman look the flag bearers for starting the 3-wide line.
Tempted – You could argue she’s the best 3YO sprinter in the land, bringing a dominant ratings profile to the event. I love the freshen and dropping back to her best 1200m trip. She’ll eat up this fast tempo but just needs a touch of luck to get into the race. The only way I see her getting beat is an up-and-in track pattern.
Caffe Florian – Can win this, had traffic issues before ducking back to the inside and flashing late in the Darby Munro. Peak fitness now which is key to note, draws well enough and will eat this tempo up. Another who I could make a case for.
Selections:
(9) Tempted
(10) Caffe Florian
(3) Grafterburners
(2) Devil Night
