Racelab’s Matt Collum has taken a forensic look at the Group 1 races at Randwick using their ratings system to assist working out who’s best credentialed to take out this year’s big races.
Collum found Light Infantry Man at $23 in last week’s Australian Cup to cap off a March that also included the Adelaide Cup winner at $21. Followers of this column would be well in front and looking forward to tackling The Championships.
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In The Lab | Inglis Sires’ | Group 1 SW 2yo 1400m
Even speed in the Inglis Sires’ so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the favourite Streisand take up the running. Paradoxium has to press forward from the wide gate and will inject some pace. The Golden Slipper is the best formline here so it’s obvious why Streisand comes out as top chance in early markets. He’s been racing in peak form and will put himself in the thick of it again! His Slipper run was brave and was entitled to feel the pinch late. Campione D’italia closed off with the second fastest 200m split of the Slipper and gets J Mac for the second time. He will appreciate the extra distance but does get a fair way back. Rich On Bubbles brings a different formline and represents big value at $26 with a lovely run throughout.
Selections: Streisand, Rich On Bubbles
In The Lab | T J Smith Stakes | Group 1 WFA 1200m
Not much speed in the T J Smith Stakes with Overpass taking up the running and Mazu settling outside. With some rain around on the day I wouldn’t expect inside draws to be advantaged which won’t suit Jimmysstar and Tentyris – both will require some luck. Joliestar has been a model of consistency this campaign and has some solid ratings in the locker – she won’t want it too wet, however. Overpass has a solid record when fresh 10:4-4-0 and looks ready to go after two strong trials. He will give some cheek in front. Giga Kick had no hope in the Challenge Stakes with an unsuitable tempo. He was jumping out of the ground late and the 1200m distance is perfect for him. His latest trial suggests that he’s wound up for this and gets Zac Purton again!
Selections: Giga Kick, Overpass
In The Lab | Doncaster Mile | Group 1 Handicap 1600m
Sixteen runners in the $4m G1 Doncaster Handicap. Plenty of speed drawn wide so we should see an above average tempo. Gringotts and Pericles have a task ahead at the weights and we haven’t seen a winner carry 57kg or more since 2018. There was plenty to like about Sheza Alibi’s Randwick Guineas win, she pulled away from the field late and I’m confident that race is the A+ form. She drops to 49kg and gets Jamie Melham – hard to beat! We’ve already seen Autumn Boy win the Rosehill Guineas since, however she will have to produce a good rating again to hold out the fave. Steparty was wide throughout in the All Star Mile and kept coming late. He’s in a purple patch of form, drops 7.5kg here and maps perfectly. I’m having something on him.
Selections: Sheza Alibi, Steparty
In The Lab | Australian Derby | Group 1 3yo 2400m
Last Group 1 of the day at Randwick with the ATC Australian Derby over 2400m. Observer should take up the running with a positive ride early from J Mac. Not a great deal of speed so he may get the race run to suit. His run last start rated down and he will have to improve here to be a winning hope. Green Spaces hit the wire best in the Rosehill Guineas and is suited out to this distance. Looking at the ratings, the top four are very close and I’m siding with one runner that is proven at the distance. Road To Paris ran on solidly from the rear to win the NZ Derby. He gets the blinkers first time along with Zac Purton. Represents good value in this race.
Selections: Road To Paris
