Opinion
It is back to Randwick this week for a bit of history repeating, with a wet, wintry Saturday of racing filled with dual acceptors and mid-weekers stepping up to take on horses more used to the grade.
Hopefully everyone is safe and well. While last Saturday was abruptly abandoned with two legs of the quaddie to go, Perigord had already got us in front at double figures so no harm done. With my best of the day racing in the last this week, I’ll have everything crossed on the lounge at home that we can get through all ten races.
Dixie’s 2021 tally
Outlay: 292 units
Return: 392.70 units
Stats are based on one unit being equal to a $1 win bet, New South Wales dividends. See the comments for any changes based on scratchings or track condition.
No bet in Race 1 again with a lot of untried two-year-olds
Race 2 – 14 Artie’s Aura (one unit)
It is kicking off at brunch time with Dubbo-trained Artie’s Aura. She’s only had the two goes, which includes her dominant debut win at home. She failed after that and was spelled. I’m intrigued that she’s had a good trial win and comes to town fresh for a Highway. Methinks Team Nestor have high hopes. I’m happy with her in the going if they are and she’s drawn well.
Race 3 – 5 Kinloch (one unit)
Kinloch is advantaged by the extra 100 metres from a fortnight ago, where a few of these go around again. He’s generally sluggish early, but last time he took the short cut and was good late, so the heavy track is no drama. With McDonald on top and plenty of good forward types, it sets up nicely for him to come over the top. Yardstick was posted wide in the same race and shapes to be in the first pair from the good gate. Miss Jay Fox is another leader who is in the mix.
Race 4 – 5 O’Mudgee (one unit)
I am sticking solid with O’Mudgee, who went back to Wednesday grade last week and did the business. Before that he beat La Chevalee home. I’m happy to back that happening again considering the price difference. La Chevalee is a dominant favourite for a reason. He generally relishes the wetter surfaces, and will appreciate the step up from 1500 to 1800 metres. Amoretti is another looking for the extra trip.
Race 5 – 13 St Covet’s Spirit (one unit)
The collective groan is deafening, yes St Covet’s Spirit rates on top. She’s now sitting at one win from 25 starts (eek), but she’s just in so well I’m going to give her one last try. She meets Café Royal six kilos better after being done by a neck two starts back, and the Royal is half the price! Papal Warrior? He’s flying, he’s gun, but I actually preferred him later in the day, he’s up another level in class here and keeps his big weight. Nyami should be around the mark.
Race 6 – 7 Epic Dan
Yep, the broken record. I’m looking to get some back with Epic Dan in the Midway, I’ve had him a few times recently and he’s run okay (not well enough) at big prices. He steps way back in class for this, gets weight relief with the apprentice jumping on, and will appreciate the give in the track.
Race 7 – 8 Steely (one unit)
I am starting the quaddie with Steely. He won well last start on heavy ground and gets weight relief for stepping up in grade. It is the same story with So Wicked, who should be in the first couple and is rock-hard fit. No knock Great House, Ballet Master won well in Melbourne and is in it, and I’m very intrigued by Kaapfever at 50/1, who steps right back in distance but is in quite well at this level.
Race 8 – 5 Surf Dancer (two units)
Surf Dancer has sucked me in to backing another import first-up over here, that’s right. The 1400 metres looks his pet trip, he’s won a trial here on a wet track, and he looks to have a length on these if he’s ready. I had Blondeau as the main threat, but am wary of Oscar Zulu (flying!) chasing four straight wins. Blue Soldier is another northern hemisphere type having his first go here. I’m watching closely but he’s more suited to 1600 metres and above so will risk.
Race 9 – 14 Fortune Seeker (one unit)
Cracking race, I found it hard to split the horses at the bottom from the one at the top. I’ve ended up with Fortune Seeker, who will be fitter from her fresh run and is the likely leader from the inside gate. My leader/Clark/Waterhouse theory is one of my best. I’ll stick with it. Expat is another horse having a great winter. She’s now five from eight overall. I’m going to risk considering she’s up in weight again. Eight Diamonds is the other big hope. She missed the start and got bumped around the turn at Canterbury and found to win. Good horse.
Race 10 – 12 Nikohli Beagle (three units)
I am finishing the day with a lash at little Nikohli Beagle, who is in this nicely with Brock Ryan’s weight claim. He won well fresh at Canterbury before tiring in his first Saturday run at Rosehill. Nash Rawiller mentioned he thought the horse wasn’t suited by the heavy track that time, but he’s previously bolted in at Nowra on a slow seven, so we’ll soon find out I guess. This horse will get the run of the race from behind The Bopper and be in it for a long way. The Bopper has drawn wide but should cross and lead on the wet short course. Irish Angel will be running on.
Good luck everyone. Hopefully it’s not too much longer before we’re back at the track dominating live. Enjoy the day and please let me know what you’re backing across the card.
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