The Metropolitan (2400m, Group 1, handicap) at 5:20pm (AEST) is the final Group 1 feature at Randwick on Super Saturday. Join us for our live coverage of Sydney’s premier spring race for the stayers.
By the end of the day the track should start favouring horses down the outside.
Most winners came away from the fence towards the middle of the day last year, so there should be no real disadvantage to be drawn wide, particularly over the 2400m.
Last year’s winner was Seville, coming off an unlucky run in the Naturalism Stakes. The Newcastle Cup and Colin Stephen Quality have also produced recent winners of the race, suggesting horses are capable of backing up a week later.
This year’s addition has been criticised for lack of depth, not helped by the compression of weights. Re-handicapping would have provided a few of the lightweights with more relief, who only gain a 2.5kg advantage on their better credentialled rivals.
Expect Travolta to lead in his customary role, with Junoob and Wish Come True to tuck in behind him. Disclaimer, Deane Martin and Brigantin could also position handy from outside draws. Speed is difficult to predict in these staying races, but if Travolta is untroubled up front, he is sure to give a bold sight.
Spillway, Our Voodoo Prince and Araldo all come out of the Naturalism Stakes. The race was dominated by on-pacers and Spillway was never really extended. Our Voodoo Prince peaked on his run, but the slow pace did him no favours. Araldo loomed up at the top of the straight, but once again was far too green. His best run in Germany were all on clockwise tracks, so Randwick should suit.
Junoob and Bagman were both excellent in the Hill Stakes, which was a sit and sprint affair. Neither have won over 2400m in Australia, but recent weight-for-age form is strong. La Amistad was in the same race, backing up off a disappointing run in the Kingston Town. Her form past 2000m is hard to ignore and she has drawn beautifully in barrier six.
Kingdoms clocked quick sectionals when a fast-finishing second in the Kingston Town. He is ready for the 2400m and the three weeks between runs suits. Opinion never saw daylight and is right in this, based on his Sydney Cup performance.
Disclaimer received all the favours in his Newcastle Cup win. He has drawn a tricky barrier, but is still open for improvement. Wish Come True did a lot of work in the early stages at Newcastle and was brave in the home straight. Brigantin also finished nicely and meets the winner four kilograms better.
Last week’s Colin Stephen Quality was taken out by Deane Martin from Iggi Pop in a bunched finish. Travolta only grinded to the line, but he finally gets some weight relief.
With a Caulfield Cup penalty on offer, there is plenty to gain for many of these progressive types.
Selections
1. Our Voodoo Prince
2. Spillway
3. Opinion
4. Wish Come True
Sam James
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining us this afternoon on The Roar. We step up to another level next week with four Group 1's at Caulfield: the Caulfield Guineas, Thousand Guineas, Caulfield Stakes and Toorak Handicap. We also have the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes from Randwick, so keep up to date with all the latest racing news, opinions and tips throughout the week on The Roar.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Blake Shinn with his second Group 1 win - he is in great form. He felt he left the horse in front too far out, but he was just too tough.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Trainer Chris Waller is humble as always after another terrific training performance. He praised Blake Shinn for his ride and will now go to Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup or Mackinnon Stakes.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Spillway was on the back of the winner around the turn, but could not sprint. Not sure he's a 2400m horse, but no excuses.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Chris Waller with his second Group 1 quinella for the day - what a trainer!
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST - JUNOOB 2ND - OPINION 3RD - ARALDO 4TH - KINGDOMS
Sam James
Roar Guru
Around the bend and Junoob goes right past the leader. Opinion and Araldo are chasing hard. Junoob is on tired legs but he will hold on. What a tough horse, he was left in front a long way. Opinion couldn't quite grab him and Araldo battled on well for third.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Racing in the Metropolitan. Travolta finds the front past the post the first time. Spillway did some work around the first corner but has found a nice spot in third. Opinion and Junoob tucked in behind them. La Amistad and Kingdoms have found nice spots midfield.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Look for Travolta to lead and don't be surprised to see Iggi Pop rolls forward.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are loading into the barriers, with Spillway firming into $4.00
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are milling behind the barriers. Chris Waller has five runners as he looks to snare his second major for the day.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Co-trainer Tom Dabernig is happy with the way Spillway has travelled. Horse must deliver today.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are heading to the barriers with Spillway retaining favouritism from Junoob.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Iggi Pop and Deane Martin have both come through last week's run in great condition.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Araldo is a great looking stallion. They have tinkered with a few gear changes here and if he can find some cover from the wide draw, he is in with a chance.
Sam James
Roar Guru
La Amistad is in the best shape this preparation. She must run well today if they want to press onto the richer races.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Spillway has kept his condition as connections look to force their way into the Caulfield Cup.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Junoob and Bagman look nice and relaxed in the yards. The handicap conditions really suit the Chris Waller pair.
Sam James
Roar Guru
The favourite is Spillway for James McDonald at $4.10 with Junoob holding second favouritism at $5.00. The only other runners at single figures are Kingdoms at $6.50 and La Amistad at $7.50. 10 minutes until jump time.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Track has played fairly today with horses winning from everywhere today and even with the small fields, the best horses have prevailed.