The Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick is always an interesting race in the midst of the Spring Carnival, with a typically varied field of runners looking to launch their season with a big result. Join The Roar for all the live race updates and highlights from the jump at 4:10pm (AEDT).
The Spring Champion has been a bit of a curse in recent years, with the expected launch pad of a big Group 1 win running many horses into the ground.
Regardless, this is still one of the biggest races on the NSW racing calendar and a marquee event for Randwick and its extensive history in the racing industry.
Yankee Rose is coming into the 2000 metre run as short priced favourite, looking to create history as the first filly to win the race.
Some decent finishes in her last few runs have put the three-year-old in good stead, but inconsistency and an interrupted preparation could be her undoing.
Swear is a strong contender for the win despite a disappointing 6th place finish in the Gloaming Stakes.
He had a strong run overall and made a charge late, finishing right in the midst of a tight pack at the post, but the start out of the gate hurt him and has become a bit of a problem for Swear.
Retaliation had a strong Gloaming outing as well, but the track positioning forced him wide out of the start and he was forced to put in the most effort out of the paddock.
He was just beaten on the line, but his form is strong and the 2000 metre distance should serve him well.
Prized Icon has dropped fairly sharply into second favourite in the bookies market, and has a few good starts under the belt this year. Certainly, one to keep an eye on.
What are the odds?
Yankee Rose is a big favourite among the bookies, hovering around two and a half dollars while the rest of the field fluctuates. Certainly, a safe bet come race time but not the best odds in the field.
Prized Icon and Swear come in as second and third favourite in the betting markets, pricing at $4 and $6.50 respectively.
Both are big chances at the win amongst a tight field. Swear is a decent bet for a placing if you’re looking to play it safe, paying $2.10 for a top three finish.
High Mist and Honeywine are in the middle there if you’re looking to throw a few bucks on a smokey, but Retaliation is the best value for money bet of the race for mine.
Out at $19, Retaliation should be up there as one of the top three considering his last run and ability to finish strong off the back of a lightning start. $4.40 for a place is also a pretty good punt.
Prediction
It’s a strong field, with four or five horses legitimately a chance of winning.
Prized Icon has had a solid preparation coming into the race and has flown a bit under the radar as Yankee Rose hogs the spotlight.
I’ve mentioned Retaliation a few times already, and for good reason. He’s in for a strong race and a better finish.
Yankee Rose is too hard to go past, though. A good strong horse who has the patience to play the mid-race field, but the aggression to bust out of the gate and find positioning, as well as powerful enough to ride home to the post.
1. Yankee Rose
2. Prized Icon
3. Retaliation
4. Veladero
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