GROUP 1 RACING BEGINS...
Updated: Aug 25, 2022
Sydney kicks off what promises to be a monstrous few months of elite racing with the Winx Stakes - named after the greatest horse of our generation.
I'm not even sure why I'm delving into weather forecasting BUT the bureau has predicted largely fine and sunny weather for Royal Randwick, giving us some chance of seeing the very best from returning horses like Anamoe, Fangirl and Mo'unga.
In Melbourne, The Valley comes alive with the James Reid, McKenzie Stakes and Carlyon Stakes with the exciting South Australian galloper, Extremely Lucky, heading early markets.
In episode 1 of Horsepower, brought to you by our brand new best friends from MyRacehorse, legendary race caller Matt Hill joined me to preview the upcoming weekend of racing as well as the spring at large.
We also touched on a few trending topics across racing and Matt answered a few questions from the wonderful world of social media.
To listen to the full episode, click here, or head to the podcasts section of this website.
Here are few best bets for the weekend as found by Matt Hill and I.
As we will be doing all throughout spring, me and my co-host will be having a $50 best bet with all the proceeds to go to the Kids + Foundation.
ROYAL RANDWICK
WINX STAKES (1400m, Group 1, $750,000)
A who's who of galloping superstars step out for the opening Group 1 of the season with Godolphin's Anamoe the headline act. Mo'unga won this race last year and will be keen to go back-to-back whilst Profondo could be the forgotten horse after an Autumn spent spinning his hooves on bottomless tracks.
Forbidden Love and Hilal step out with the advantage of race fitness whilst Edward Cummings' emerging mare Duais will love the improving ground but may find the seven furlongs too slick.
TIP - PROFONDO (each way)
This week's best bets:
MOONEE VALLEY
Race Seven - Number Three: INTERPRETATION ($8) Outstanding local debut run at Flemington over 2000m. Interestingly remains at 2000m when his recent European runs were out toward 3000m.
Has trialled up since the debut run and looks a really nice each way proposition with the only real knock being whether he's short of his optimum trip.
Race Eight - Number Two: GENERATION ($6) 2/3 fresh form reads well. Also 2/3 on soft tracks so any rain should not bother this Maher/Eustace galloper too much. Has a wide gate which looks tricky but Mark Zahra could slide across outside Yulong Command and slot into a handy position which looks the place to be this week at The Valley.
RANDWICK Race Seven - Number Ten: ZAPATEO ($4)
Just one trial in prep for this but it was slick, beating Jamaea who is also in the market here. 3/4 on soft decks and is a winner when fresh up. Good alley (4), light weight with Rachel King aboard (53kg) and should travel close enough to the speed to pounce. Ticks a few boxes this mare.
Race Eight - Number Four: PROFONDO ($14)
I think we need to have something on this ultra-talented galloper in the hope he returns this spring somewhere near his devastating best. Autumn was a wash for him as he battled bottomless tracks.
Has two career wins, one at Randwick and one over seven furlongs. Each way play.
And, finally, Matt and I make our selections for the Kids + Foundation charity tipping.
MATT - $50 win Moonee Valley R5 N5 FOUJITA SAN.
JJ - $50 win Randwick R7 N10 ZAPATEO.
