3 minute read

Epsom Day is often ‘Gai’s Day’ at Randwick but this weekend her best chances may just be south of the Murray.

Fiorente shapes as one of several leading chances in a most competitive Turnbull Stakes but her best chance for success comes earlier in the card in the form of last start winner Rockford.

Rockford had the beating of several of these last time out and meets them all on better terms under today’s conditions leaving them with plenty to find to be turning the tables.

That was Rockford’s first run beyond 1400m and he remains open to plenty of improvement over the slightly longer journeys.

Much the same could be said of Orion, who represents a credible threat, but preference is for Rockford who trades over the odds in early markets.

As mentioned the feature on the card, the Turnbull, is most competitive this year with at least half a dozen genuine winning hopes but there is one that can be played in early betting.

The Oaks winner Royal Descent showed herself to be going as well as ever in the George Main last time and now gets her chance to stamp herself as the horse to beat in the Caulfield Cup.

She relished the step to 2000m in the autumn and similar here would see her chances of success greater than the 15% that the market currently suggests.

Wary of the ‘Redoute’s factor’ but happy to play at the $6.50.

The Stephen Theodore yard has been having a good run this season but the lay of the day banks on one of those runs coming to an end.

Don’t Get Excited has been a revelation since joining the yard, winning four on the bounce, before a solid fourth at Caulfield last time but things get no easier for him here and at the current quote, $3.50, he is best opposed.

THE MELBOURNE MAIL:

Banker: Race 2 #1 Rockford @ $4

Play Of The Day: Race 8 #16 Royal Descent @ $6.50

Lay Of The Day: Race 5 #8 Don’t Get Excited @ $3.50