The Golden Eagle barrier draw is done and Betsy’s Chris Roots has his say on who is smiling – and who should be worried.
FAVOURITES
Sheza Alibi
Owner Fred Noffke couldn’t help but smile when he got up with only barriers six and 10 left. He pulled six from the barrel, which will allow Luke Nolen to choose where he gets in the field and what he will follow. It is perfect to keep her out of trouble, probably around midfield.
Beiwacht
The frontrunner was left with gate 10, being the last horse drawn in the capacity field of 18. There is a long run down the back straight at Randwick and Nash Rawiller will be able to find the front at his leisure. A gear with a Norton bit going should give Rawiller more control and if will come down to if Beiwacht can run out a solid 1500m.
Autumn Boy
It was important this colt drew in and the Chris Waller camp will be delighted with gate five. He has favourite Sheza Alibi to his outside, which means he will have some control over where she settles. It is likely that she goes back behind him and it is a question whether Autumn Boy can keep her there.
THOSE DICTATED BY THE DRAW
Amazing Journey
The English import sat just behind the speed at his latest win at Ascot in July. That won’t be happening from barrier 15. He will probably have to ridden conservatively from the draw and try to replicate his Royal Ascot win. Classic winning jockey Saffie Osborne comes out to ride him, but the European three-year-old definitely has the job ahead of him.
Apocalyptic
She was always going to be a risk at this level running out the 1500m and the outside gate leaves Tommy Berry with one option of going back and hoping. She drifted in betting following the draw and will continue to get out in the market.
Skyhook
Trainer Sterling Alexiou said they were hoping to draw a middle gate, as he tried to put a good spin on gate 16. He needs to be in the first half of the field to get his chance to use his explosive turn of foot, but from a wide gate to get there, he will need to be used a bit early. That won’t help his chances.
A COUPLE AT ODDS
Mr Miller
He has come a long way in a short period, and the $26 looks a fair price after drawing barrier nine. He should be able to slot in somewhere midfield, and get the chance to show it he is good enough at this level. Probably will start around the $15 mark.
Regal Award
He drew the gate to get the run he needs near the speed. The 1500m is in his favour as he doesn’t get a mile. He needs to settle as he did in his Fred Best Classic win and third in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and he will give some cheek, especially if he can sit on Beiwacht’s back. Another that will have support at double figures.
