These are the teams best roughies across the country on Saturday. Horses to have a shekel on E/W, include in exotics or throw in quaddies at odds.
GIBBO
Randwick Race 10 No.12 Bianco Vilano ($101/$21 bet 365)
He’s a big strong horse but I will admit there is a chance he needs the run and a bit further. Just feel there is a chance they run along here and a tough 1400m at Randwick would mean he can run over a lot of these late. Forget the fresh run where a horse lost the rider at the jump and ruined the whole race. Ran well at Listed grade last prep albeit over a longer trip. Don’t think he deserves to be the rank outsider in this race.
MITCH LEWIS
Caulfield
Race 5 No.5 New York Lustre ($8 bet365)
Comes into this race fresh, she has had no luck in recent runs including her last start in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes in Sydney. She was strong through the line despite the bad luck and the form lines around the likes of LADY SHENANDOAH & JIMMYSSTAR read really well for this Listed level race. She goes well fresh and wont surprise here at the 1100m trip.
Race 9 No.5 Absurde ($26 bet 365)
We have seen this European runner twice previously in Australia when he has run in the top 10 in the last 2 additions of The Melbourne Cup. He has continued to perform well in Europe and suggestions are he will be better suited over this 2400m trip rather than the two mile. He has started around the $10 mark in both Melbourne Cups and is currently around the $30 mark here in a race that may suit him better.
Morphettville
Race 9 No.3 Starts Now ($21 bet365)
Resumes here today, and while he certainly looks to have improvement to come over more ground given the shortest trip he has won over was 1540m. He has been trialling strongly in the lead up to this, there is speed in the race so it may take a strong effort late to win and STARTS NOW can certainly get that run and will be hitting the line strongly at the least.
MATT WELSH
Caulfield
Race 2 No.10 Fabulous Fiano ($71 bet365)
He looks the only leader in a race devoid of speed. Showed a bit in trials prior to his debut and he’s been around in a couple of strong maidens. Blinkers and tongue tie go on here and at a big price he could give a bit of cheek.
Race 3 No.7 Arizona Luck ($51 bet365)
Arizona Luck was very good two back in the Thousand Guineas Prelude and then lost sight of the bunny at Ballarat last time out. That was a stronger race vs the older horses last time out than she meets here and the step to 2000m looks ideal. Not the worst 50/1 pop you’ll see.
Race 9 No.10 Deakin ($16 bet365)
Only ‘just’ qualifies as a roughie. If there are any chinks in the favourite’s armour, I think this bloke will be there to pounce. He has had a very good preparation and looks set to peak now, getting to 2400m. His run in the Turnbull was excellent and he maps well in this year’s Cup.
Avoca Race 2 No.1 Lakes Entrance ($31 bet365)
This race looks lacking in speed and suspect the debutant, Lakes Entrance, can put himself right there. He has run the gates well in several of his jump-outs and draws soft for Ryan Houtson. Thought his jump-out at Ballarat two back was quite good, the latest at Burrumbeet OK. Being a son of Russian Camelot, the 1200m might be the bottom of his distance range in time, but with a tactical edge on a few rivals he can run a race at a huge price.
DEAN WATLING
Randwick
Race 7 – The Everest: No.10 Lady Shenandoah ($13 bet365) and No.12 Tempted ($16 bet365)
Keen to side with Lady Shenandoah, she brings an ideal profile to this event. She ticks the tactical versatility, third-up, and 1400m+ stamina boxes that you need to win a high-pressure Everest. The cherry on top is the map.
The 3yos have an outstanding record in this event, and the sole 3yo this year is an elite one – Tempted. She draws in, which should see her nice and positive early from the gate – she’ll need luck to get off the fence but can do so.
Race 8 No.13 Harlem Queen ($17 bet365)
Harlem Queen is the best roughie in the Silver Eagle – her recent trial suggests she’s back in a big way.
Race 9 No.3 Ceolwulf ($10 bet365)
Ceolwulf’s best career effort came in this race last year. He eats up fast-run 1600m contests, draws well, and is right in this.
Note: Prices are correct as at 7.40am 18/10/25 and are subject to change.
