Similar story to the TJ Smith last week, the Randwick 1200m starting point is easily the fairest 1200m start in the country. The change this week is the dry deck and the likely rail move to +3 the entire.
This will likely bring the rail and inside lanes into the conversation a touch more than last week where they edged off the inside as soon as they turned for home. Again, lanes 3–6 will likely be the A1 ground.
Similar to the TJ Smith last week we will likely see a 3-wide line established with a huge amount of speed present on paper.
Winners from the Draw
Skyhook (2)
Back-to-back barrier draws where he has looked to gain the run of the race. He’ll glide across and use Devil Night to land off rails and on the back of Grafterburners, from there he’ll get every chance.
Grafterburners (5)
Solid draw for the Queenslander. We know he has horrible barrier manners but if he is to jump cleanly he can use the kind nature of the 1200m to settle outside the leader and angle to the ideal lanes in the straight.
Tempted (5) & Caffe Florian (7)
I like the draw for both of these. With this fast tempo expected up front, landing off rails and being able to move into the race on the turn looks ideal. Both look to get cover off rails and on the back of key horses in Skyhook and Marhoona who should drag them into the contest.
Losers from the Draw
Pallaton (8)
Plain draw for Pallaton. Yes, he does have speed but he looks to be locked up on the fence with a lot of luck needed. Sticky as it comes.
Beadman (10)
James will earn his fee from the draw. Huge amount of speed drawn inside him – if he goes forward he’ll likely use up plenty of juice, if he goes back he isn’t that turn-of-foot type. His best bet is keeping a smart rhythm three-wide and hoping he settles.
CHECK OUT Dean Watling’s look at the Queen Elizabeth Barrier Draw
Overall
Overall the draw has definitely helped dissect this race. As always though, the kind nature of the 1200m start should allow a lot of the horses to get their chance. Tempted being the key one – she looks to get her chance.
