Race 7 – Catanach’s Jewellers Callander-Presnell (1600m)
Rivellino – $2.90 win / $1.40 place
Highly talented colt who’s been mixing it with elite company throughout the Sydney and Melbourne spring. Blinkers go back on and the inside draw gives Nash Rawiller every opportunity to dictate terms. Handles good ground superbly and the step up to the mile looks ideal now he’s fully fit. Expect him to roll forward, absorb pressure, and give a powerful kick in the straight. Genuine Group 1 class – the one to beat.
Ohope – $4.80 win / $1.85 place
The Freedman colt has come of age this campaign. His Tapp-Craig win was dominant and he profiles perfectly stepping to 1600m. Drawn beautifully to get a soft run behind the speed, and Collett’s timing in these feature 3YO races is always elite. Races kindly, finishes strongly, and has a professional racing style. A huge threat to the favourite.
Farnicle – $3.90 win / $1.70 place
Tough, on-speed colt from the Waterhouse and Bott yard who thrives when allowed to roll. His second to Ohope last start was full of merit and he’ll strip fitter again. The stable’s runners always improve deeper into their preps, and Tim Clark suits perfectly. Expect him to take control early and give a strong kick turning for home.
Ruination – $4.00 win / $1.80 place
Progressive and professional galloper from the Freedman team who continues to rise with each run. Strong second in the Dulcify, where he chased hard behind Attica, and that form has been franked. Berry stays aboard, and stepping back slightly in trip keeps him sharp. A versatile, strong-finishing colt who should be right in the finish again.
Race 8 – Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m)
Attica – $2.90 win / $1.45 place
The standout of the Godolphin 3YO crop and has done nothing wrong this prep. His Dulcify win was commanding, and the step to 2000m looks tailor-made given his breeding by Lonhro out of Savatiano. Hyeronimus has built a strong rapport and the colt has tactical versatility – can sit handy or sweep wide. Keeps improving with racing and has the perfect foundation to take the Group 1. The class horse, and deserved favourite.
Shangri La Boy – $3.40 win / $1.60 place
Front-running colt from the Waterhouse-Bott machine who keeps rolling through the grades with authority. His Gloaming win was professional and backed by strong sectionals. Barrier two ensures he controls the race tempo again, and if Nash gets him into rhythm, he’ll take plenty of catching. Hard-fit, tough, and made for this assignment.
San Giovanni – $19.00 win / $5.50 place
Emerging galloper from the Freedman stable who continues to surprise with each rise in class. Stuck on gamely for third in the Gloaming behind Shangri La Boy, showing toughness and improving stamina. From a soft draw, Adkins can tuck him in behind the speed and peel late. A knockout chance at big odds for exotics and trifectas.
Within The Law – $5.00 win / $2.00 place
The lone filly in the mix and she brings Group 1 class from the Flight Stakes and King Charles. Baker has her peaking at the right time and she’s as tough as they come. The wide draw hurts, but she’s rock-hard fit and will relish the mile-and-a-quarter. If the tempo is genuine, she can unleash a big finish and cause a stir against the boys.
Race 9 – The Invitation (1400m)
Manaal – $4.40 win / $1.85 place
Explosive mare who has returned in brilliant order. Her Gold Pendant win was elite, running slick time and putting away a smart field with authority. Tommy Berry takes the reins again, and she gets a perfect map just off the pace. Loves Randwick, thrives at this distance, and carries a fitness edge into this feature. The benchmark runner – they’ll have to be good to beat her.
Miss Roumbini – $3.80 win / $1.70 place
Powerful Victorian mare who’s been outstanding this prep. Won the Magic Millions F&M race earlier in the year and has been tested at the elite level since. Her Sir Rupert Clarke placing confirmed her class, and she arrives here ready to peak third-up. Hyeronimus rides for the first time, which could be the fresh spark she needs to turn the tables on Manaal. Massive chance.
Oh Diamond Lil – $17.00 win / $4.60 place
Talented mare who loves Randwick and has a terrific record over this trip. Forget her Alan Brown run – she was caught wide early and never in rhythm. Drops in class, gets a perfect inside draw, and the booking of Rachel King adds confidence. Expect a sharp rebound – the best value play in the race.
Monte Supreme – $9.50 win / $3.20 place
Flying this prep and bursting through the grades. Her runs at Rosehill and Randwick have been full of intent, and the step to 1400m looks within reach now that she’s racing more patiently. McEvoy knows her well, and if she gets cover early, her finishing burst can put her right in the mix late. Don’t underestimate her current form.
Race 10 – Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m)
Transatlantic – $2.50 win / $1.35 place
The Toorak winner and rising star of the middle-distance ranks. Gollan has him flying and this is clearly a stepping stone to the Five Diamonds. Maps to control the race from a perfect barrier, and Tommy Berry’s booking is ideal. Genuine Group 1 performer back to a Listed-style event – he should prove far too classy again.
General Salute – $9.00 win / $2.90 place
Honest and capable sprinter-miler who’s been racing in top company. His Theo Marks and Alan Brown runs were excellent, both times finishing right behind elite gallopers. Handles all conditions, draws out to find clean air, and Tim Clark’s aggression will suit. Capable of running a big race if Transatlantic overcooks it upfront.
Rise At Dawn (NZ) – $4.00 win / $1.70 place
The ever-consistent Hayes-trained galloper who’s racing in brilliant heart. Beaten only narrowly in the Shannon Stakes and brings A-grade form to this. Will stalk Transatlantic throughout and look to pounce late. Genuine winning hope and looks the logical quinella play.
Cafe Millenium – $12.00 win / $3.80 place
Talented but quirky gelding who often produces a big run fresh into a campaign. His recent Flemington and Morphettville form has been rock solid, and the booking of Celine Gaudray claims nicely. If he settles midfield with cover, expect him to be surging late for a top-four finish. Overs in the market for sure.
The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet: Attica (Race 8)
Value: Oh Diamond Lil (Race 9)
Roughie: San Giovanni (Race 8)
Quaddie (Races 7–10)
R7: 1, 2, 3, 4
R8: 1, 2, 3, 11
R9: 2, 3, 6, 7
R10: 1, 5, 8, 9
