3 minute read
Spring is well and truly in the air at Randwick on Saturday, as we see a host of our stars kicking off their campaigns with five Group races spread across the bumper ten-race card.
The headline act is Race 8, the Group 1 Winx Stakes over (1400m), where Chris Waller has six of the twelve runners engaged, with the eagerly awaited return from injury of his classy mare Fangirl.
Our best of the day comes up in Race 6, the Group 2 Darley Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m), with Manaal who won the Sires' Produce Stakes at this track last autumn.
Clearly one of the best two-year-olds of last season, Manaal looks to have furnished further over the break and has the ability to give her rivals weight and win first-up.
Fitted with two sound trials against the older horses, Manaal was strong through the line on both occasions and is reunited with Jason Collett.
From the low draw, Manaal can sit off the fast early tempo and assert her authority late with her devastating finish.
Currently at around the $2.80 quote, she looks exceptional value to sprint well fresh and stretch out further over the preparation.
The next best comes up in Race 5, the Group 3 National Jockeys Trust Premier's Cup (2000m), with the Waterhouse and Bott trained Eliyass.
The promising six-year-old gelding created a big impression at his first Australian start, winning the Listed Lord Mayor's Cup (2000m) at this track, before being sent straight out for a spell in readiness for a spring assault on some of the better staying races.
Undefeated in five starts over the 2000m, with a solid first-up record, the lightly raced gelding kicks off in a winnable race with Tim Clark retaining the ride after the two searching trials.
Sydney Specials
Bet of the day: Race 6 #1 Manaal
Next best: Race 5 #3 Eliyass