3 minute read

The first signs of spring can be seen throughout Saturday’s program at Randwick.

Randwick hosts a competitive eight race program which includes the Listed Rosebud Stakes (1200m) before the days feature, the Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m).

It will be great seeing how some genuine spring prospects have returned but employing the wait and see approach in the races they contest may not be a bad idea.

Either side of Group racing at Randwick there appear to be some appealing betting propositions starting with Saintly Lad in The Wallabies Cup (1800m).

Saintly Lad is in the midst of a breakout campaign and was too good for his rivals last start at Canterbury.

It was an impressive win as the Shamardal gelding settled back before overpowering his rivals in the straight.

While Saintly Lad steps up in grade on that outing, a distance rise and weight drop both work to his favour fourth run from a spell.

Still early in his prep, there is plenty to suggest Saintly Lad can continue working through the grades on Saturday.

All signs point to Saintly Lad appreciating a step up to 1800m with his master rating having been achieved when sixth in the Carbine Club Stakes over a mile.

The four-year-old’s best performed sibling in Best Beware produced some of his best work over 2000m and beyond and Saintly Lad looks well on track to do the same.

He is by far the most progressive sort in the field and main dangers in The Baronet, Runhardasun and Tarangower each bring fitness queries into the race.

The Baronet may perhaps still be one run short after resuming at Kembla Grange while Runhardasun and Tarangower each contest The Wallabies Cup off four week let ups.

Usually one to get back in his races, Saintly Lad should appreciate the roomer Randwick course and like Canterbury last start, be charging over the top of them.

The Rosebud and Missile Stakes follow before the TAB Rewards Handicap (1000m) where Rifleman is currently vying for favouritism.

Rifleman was most impressive on resuming for his new stable at this course and distance 28 days ago.

There is little reason he can’t go on with things yet early markets have him quoted at each way odds.

The resuming duo of Target In Sight and Maysoon add some intrigue to the contest however outside of this pair, the TAB Rewards Handicap (1000m) looks short on depth.

While The Rosebud and Missile Stakes showcase the early signs of spring, TAB Rewards Handicap is comprised largely of off season types.

Blake Shinn stays aboard and Rifleman should enjoy a cosy run in transit behind a solid tempo.

Trust the jockey to produce Rifleman at the right time in the straight before a second straight win ensues.

The each way odds about Rifleman are well worth taking.

The Hussonet gelding can hopefully be the second straight Each Way Play success for the Sydney Specials after Oakfield Commands saluted at Rosehill last Saturday.

The Best Of The Day was Liberation. All was on track for an early success with a furlong to go before Liberation decided to run off it.

First across the line, a protest due to his antics was lodged and subsequently upheld.

Sydney Specials – August 9

Best Of The Day: R4; #10 Saintly Lad @ $4.00

Each Way Play: R7; #7 Rifleman @ $5.50