Everest Day brings ten races to Royal Randwick, including two Group 1s: The TAB Everest and the King Charles III Stakes. The track was rated a Heavy 8 when fields came out. Wet-track form matters more than usual, so check the rating and scratchings on Saturday morning. Pride Of Jenni has already been scratched from the King Charles III.
Ka Ying Rising is our pick in The Everest. Autumn Glow is the strongest bet on the card, even at a very short price, and Polymnia is our best value runner in the Angst.
Race 1 - Big Dance Wild Card (1600m)
Selection: It’s A Knockout Current odds: $4.20
It’s A Knockout has placed twice in seven runs this preparation at metro level and came third at Dubbo last time. He drops in weight and is in a race he can win. Tavi Time was sixth at Newcastle but trialled at Rosehill on 2 October and comes from a strong stable. Matias is the favourite after a fresh fourth at Newcastle and should get an easy run from barrier 1. Pier Pressure has placed three times this preparation and is worth a small bet at the odds.
Selections:
- It’s A Knockout - $4.20
- Tavi Time - $7.50
- Matias - $2.30
- Pier Pressure - $14.00
Race 2 - Bisley Workwear Reginald Allen Quality (1400m)
Selection: Saffron Veil Current odds: $3.10
Saffron Veil broke her maiden at Canterbury and has won or placed in all three career starts. She has early speed and should get a good position. Pin Up Sheila has won a trial since running sixth at Warwick Farm, so she can improve. Calamari Ring ran on for fourth at Caulfield and is a genuine chance. Low Key led all the way to win her maiden at Rosehill, but this is a stronger race.
Selections:
- Saffron Veil - $3.10
- Pin Up Sheila - $4.00
- Calamari Ring - $3.90
- Low Key - $7.00
Race 3 - Asahi Super Dry Angst Stakes (1600m)
Selection: Polymnia Current odds: $4.20
Polymnia is our value play of the day. She ran second, beaten half a length, here last start, has placed in both runs this preparation and has placed in six of her eight starts at Randwick. Unleeshing has won several times at Randwick and is the main danger, although barrier 11 will make it harder. Vivy Air was poor here last time, but James McDonald rides and she drops in class. Transcend was beaten half a length at Rosehill and is a longer-priced each-way runner.
Selections:
- Polymnia - $4.20
- Unleeshing - $3.60
- Vivy Air - $5.00
- Transcend - $14.00
Race 4 - The Agency Real Estate St Leger Stakes (2600m)
Selection: So You Are Current odds: $4.20
So You Are is chasing a hat-trick after wins at Rosehill and Randwick and draws barrier 1, which is a big advantage over 2600 metres. Bella Montagna has placed in two of three runs this preparation and races without blinkers this time. Juja Kibo won last start at Randwick and is a strong contender. Thebudgiesmugla has won three of four starts on heavy ground, which matters on this track.
Selections:
- So You Are - $4.20
- Bella Montagna - $9.00
- Juja Kibo - $2.80
- Thebudgiesmugla - $9.00
Race 5 - The Kosciuszko (1200m)
Selection: Chidiac Current odds: $5.50
Chidiac resumes after 19 weeks but won a trial at Scone on 7 October and won first-up last preparation at Muswellbrook. James McDonald is a strong booking. So You Pence won here last start and also comes in fresh. Cruizingthestars won first-up here and should lead or sit in the box seat from barrier 2. Lord Remlap has won every time he has started favourite and is the best of the outsiders.
Selections:
- Chidiac - $5.50
- So You Pence - $5.50
- Cruizingthestars - $12.00
- Lord Remlap - $9.00
Race 6 - Toyota Forklifts Sydney Stakes (1200m)
Selection: Charm Stone Current odds: $7.00
This is an open Group 2. Charm Stone was third at Caulfield, beaten a length, after fading late, and drops in grade, so she looks good value. Marhoona ran third at Randwick last start for a strong stable and looks a threat. Skybird won well at Flemington but steps up in class. Gangsta Granny wears winkers for the first time and has good form at the trip. Golden Straand is also accepted in this race but looks set to run at Doomben, so check scratchings.
Selections:
- Charm Stone - $7.00
- Marhoona - $6.00
- Skybird - $8.00
- Gangsta Granny - $17.00
Race 7 - The TAB Everest (1200m)
Selection: Ka Ying Rising Current odds: $1.50
The Everest is Ka Ying Rising’s race to lose. The Hong Kong sprinter won by nearly eight lengths first-up at Sha Tin last start, is proven at 1200 metres and should be close to the lead. The price is short, but nothing in his recent form suggests he will be beaten. The heavy ground is the only small concern.
Tempted is the main danger. He is two from two this campaign, including a win here on a soft track, and barrier 1 gives him every chance. Joliestar was beaten half a length here first-up, has very good Randwick form and is a strong place chance. Jimmysstar won at Caulfield last time and is worth considering each way.
Selections:
- Ka Ying Rising - $1.50
- Tempted - $5.00
- Joliestar - $17.00
- Jimmysstar - $14.00
Race 8 - Silver Eagle (1300m)
Selection: Skyhook Current odds: $2.70
Skyhook is unbeaten in two runs this preparation and won by almost three lengths at Rosehill last time. Decorum is also chasing a hat-trick after wins at Rosehill and Randwick and looks underpriced. Beiwacht was ninth at Caulfield, but this is an easier race and he has early speed. Platinum Pantheon was just beaten here first-up and can run a place.
Selections:
- Skyhook - $2.70
- Decorum - $8.00
- Beiwacht - $3.20
- Platinum Pantheon - $15.00
Race 9 - King Charles III Stakes (1609m)
Selection: Autumn Glow Current odds: $1.30
Autumn Glow is the standout bet of the day, although the price is very short. She is two from two this preparation, won by more than a length here last start and has won eight times at Randwick. Pride Of Jenni has been scratched, which makes it easier again. Ceolwulf has placed in three of four runs this preparation, including a second behind Autumn Glow here, and has the inside draw. God’s Window won at big odds here last time, and Militarize is the longest of our four.
Selections:
- Autumn Glow - $1.30
- Ceolwulf - $3.60
- God’s Window - $19.00
- Militarize - $34.00
Race 10 - HKJC World Pool Handicap (1400m)
Selection: Cross Tasman Current odds: $2.50
Cross Tasman was just beaten at Rosehill, has placed in both runs this preparation and wears blinkers for the first time. Man Of Worth is first-up but won fresh last preparation at Canterbury, and James McDonald rides. Ertijaaj won first-up at Rosehill and is from a strong stable. Surf’s Up won twice at metro level last preparation and is a longer-priced each-way runner.
Selections:
- Cross Tasman - $2.50
- Man Of Worth - $6.50
- Ertijaaj - $6.50
- Surf’s Up - $16.00
