The Group 1 racing might be done and dusted for 2016, but of course there is racing to take place on Saturday, with the highlight being the Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, with a capacity field full of depth right across the board.
There are plenty of winners to be had, so here are my five suggested bets for the weekend.
Bet 1: All Up Win: She Will Reign (Randwick R3)/Winning Rupert (Doomben R3)/Sweet Melody (Morphettville Parks R6)/Perfect Reflection (Ascot R7)
Winning Rupert just speaks for himself. Broke the track record without being fully extended first up at Eagle Farm, so he’ll be winning.
She Will Reign smashed the clock on debut at Kembla last week, running seven/eight lengths quicker than the older horses. If she brings that to Randwick, and she handles the wet track, she’ll bolt up, and Sweet Melody has found a very thin race in Adelaide and just looks so well placed by Darren Weir.
Perfect Reflection looks a great bet at around $3 and has a bit of upside left, plus she should just have the brilliance to take care of this lot.
Bet 2: Win – Randwick Race Six Number 7 Manuel
Bit surprised there was $5+ on offer for this horse, because to my eye he just looks a standout in a race that doesn’t have much substance. He should have bolted up fresh on Cup Day but just had no luck behind Speedeor, who has franked the form.
Manuel then went for the easy kill at Geelong and got that, winning by ten lengths. Form out of that race has been ordinary, but he smashed the clock, has upside, and trialled very well last week. Keen on him.
Bet 3: Each Way – Randwick Race Seven Number 14 Sense Of Occasion
This looks a really strong and competitive edition of the Villiers with many, many chances. This bloke represented value, and really good value at that, at around $51. He performed very well during the Spring, highlighted by a win in the Premiers Cup as well as strong efforts in the Newcastle Cup and Metropolitan.
Trial win was solid to the eye, he sprints well fresh, has a great record at the mile and Kris Lees is one of the best at hatching a plan. Keep in mind this bloke is a swimmer. Great roughie, as is Berry Delicious, who will love getting her toe in.
Bet 4: Quinella – Flemington Race Eight 2 Burning Front/3 Mihany
If the track plays the way it did last Saturday, this looks a really good bet. Mihany should lead these for fun, as he did last time out at Pakenham when he was pretty much gifted the race and won accordingly, spanking his rivals.
Can’t see too much pressure out wide, so Burning Front should get over without doing much work. His effort in the Gold Bullion was very good and the big key is getting Brad Rawiller back aboard, and he rides the horse very well.
Bet 5: Each-Way – Doomben Race Eight Number 20 Tumbler
I hope she gains a start, because I am a huge fan of her. She has built up an impressive record, and she hasn’t been winning narrowly, instead dominating her rivals and doing it emphatically.
She’ll love the hot speed in front of her here, and drawn wide, she should get clear running to get back and ambush late. If she doesn’t run here, just back her on Sunday at the Sunny Coast and she’ll bolt up there.
Adam Page
Roar Guru
Perhaps re Fabrizio, but he did have a gutbusting Winter/Spring. Never easy to peak several times in one prep.
BrisburghPhil
Roar Guru
We'll see it's a bog Adam. I have no faith in early track conditions this time of year. Been burnt too many times. Your statement could be perceived another way. Fabrizio has the fresh legs and SOO has the job ahead on a bog track first up. Fab won a trial recently too and stable foreman says he has never been better after a week in the paddock. I expect him to be too classy unopposed in the lead.
Adam Page
Roar Guru
It just seems a big ask for Fabrizio to win a tough Randwick mile on a bog track seven weeks between runs. That's why I want a horse with complete fresh legs, and Sense Of Occasion was given a good hitout in that trial. Agree re Duca Valentinois. Big, big weight drop is a tick and I think he will get through the conditions okay.
BrisburghPhil
Roar Guru
I'm giiing Sense Of Occasion a huge chance too Adam though I do think it's Fabrizio's race to lose. He would have won the Epsom no doubt with a responsible ride. Duca Valentinious is a winning chance to I feel though not sure how he will go on a very heavy track.