3 minute read
Leading trainer Tony McEvoy heads to Randwick this afternoon with a live chance in the group two Villiers Handicap over 1550m on the Kensington track.
Usually run on the course proper, this year’s renewal has been transferred to the Kensington to allow the main course to recover but given the excellent way the Kensington track has been racing since it’s re-construction it is probably a welcome decision at this stage of the year.
McEvoy who runs his main stable out of Hawkesbury has been in great form this season and will be represented in the Villiers by the former French galloper Sysmo who has been in top form since coming under McEvoy’s care.
Sysmo arrived in Australia an impressive winner at Clairefontaine over 1600m with a Timeform rating of 93 but has subsequently improved that figure to 108p with three subsequent wins down under.
Last campaign Sysmo was tried over longer distances in races like Japan Association Racing Plate (2000m) and Chairmans Handicap (2100m) but failed to produce his best form, prompting McEvoy to keep him to shorter distances this campaign, a strategy that should pay dividends this afternoon.
Sysmo has raced three times since a spell, kicking off with a closing third at Morphettville Parks over 1250m then after 15 days scored impressively second up in the Listed Seymour Cup over 1600m defeating Proverb running to a new Timeform peak of 108p.
That win was impressive getting home strongly after making a wide run around the field from well back early and winning with something in hand.
Last time out he finished third beaten just over a length in the Secondbite Plate over 1400m at Flemington but after settling well back in the race, he was disadvantaged by a slow tempo up front and a big weight of 58kgs
This afternoon he drops down to more suitable 54kgs and despite coming off a 35 day break looks set to return to his best form.
Sysmo’s best ratings have been at distances around 1600m winning three of his six starts and never missing a place.
The main dangers on Timeform weight adjusted ratings, and there are plenty as usual in a Villiers, look to be Taxmeifyoucan, Listen Son and Scream Machine.
Taxmeifyoucan is another who is ready to peak this afternoon. Trained by Greg Hickman he has raced four times since a spell and has been particularly impressive in his last two starts.
Last time out Taxmeifyoucan under Tommy Berry rocketed home after a slow start in the Goulburn Cup over 1600m only to go down in a close photo to Any Day Will Do.
A subsequent protest to be promoted to a dead heat win was dismissed.
At his run prior he led most of the way in the Filante Handicap over 1500m at Rosehill before going down narrowly behind Secessio.
Last campaign Taxmeifyoucan recorded his best win in the Scone Guineas over 1400m and a return to that form today sees him right in the frame.
Queensland visitor Listen Son looms large if he can bring his best form to Sydney.
Already a winner over 1600m, Listen Son has raced four times since a 42 day break in August for two wins and two placings.
Two starts back in an improved performance he controlled the race from the front winning over 1600m at Doomben in open company defeating Dolly Dolly by over a length.
A barrier trial followed after that win, trainer Tony Gollan then opting to drop the gelding back in trip to 1300m at Eagle Farm after a 28 day layoff.
Once again he jumped smartly and led to the closing stages before being overhauled by Morning Captain.
That effort was 42 days ago but that should not be a concern as he has previously won off similar breaks from racing.
It is significant that Kathy O’Hara takes the ride after her recent recovery from a race fall and there are few better riders on front runners than Kathy.
Listen Son is sure to give backers a great sight.
Scream Machine has been mixing his form of late but should be decide to bring his A game to Randwick he could take holding out.
Following an impressive third in the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle behind Toydini, Scream Machine caught the eye in a very strong renewal of the G1 Epsom Handicap behind Boban.
Taken to Melbourne after that run he started a well backed second favourite in the G3 David Jones Cup over 2000m but failed to run up to expectations.
Trainer Jason Coyle immediately gave him a let up of 36 days before dropping back to 1600m in the Goulburn Cup where he finished a creditable fourth beaten less than a length under 59kgs.
Scream Machine drops 4.5kgs in weight and should be fitter for his last start effort thereby bringing him in to consideration as a value hope.
The unreliable Strike The Stars is another at odds who could surprise under the conditions of this afternoon’s race while the Gai Waterhouse-trained Western Symbol who resumes off a 420 day break could be the knockout runner.
Enjoy a competitive Villiers Handicap.
