The final Group 1 race of the day – and the carnival and it’s a great way to finish! A small but elite field of eight runners are taking part with the clash between More Joyous and All Too Hard dominating the betting markets with the mare holding a slight call over the colt ($2.50 v $2.90).
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1. RANGIRANGDOO – J Bowman (8)
8yo gelding who tackles this race first up but has been given three barrier trials by his Trainer Chris Waller for his return. He ran fourth in the G3 The Tramway Handicap last prep (off two trails) carrying 61.5kgs before narrowly going down to Shoot Out in the G1 George Main. Draws the widest gate and whilst I can’t see him running the leading chances down, he’ll be doing good work late.
Odds: $19.00
2. FIORENTE – T Berry (5)
He landed in Australia from Europe for Trainer Gai Waterhouse only days before running an almighty race to finish second in last year’s Melbourne Cup. He’s since had a spell and two trials in readiness for his return to racing but never contested a race less than 1900m before so happy to see him go around here.
Odds: $26.00
3. RAIN AFFAIR – C Williams (4)
Just hasn’t been able to recapture that form from earlier in his career that saw him win eleven of his first thirteen starts. As he always does, he led when resuming in the G1 Canterbury Stakes but was unable to hold off Pierro and More Joyous late and finished fourth (beaten 3 lengths). It was a similar story at his next start in the G1 TJ Smith where he was left in the mighty Black Caviar’s wake as they topped the rise and again, finished fourth. Will led again but find the last furlong too much of a challenge.
Odds: $13.00
4. ROLLING PIN – C Reith (3)
Won the G3 Cameron Handicap and G2 Shannon Stakes last prep and returned from a nineteen week spell with a four length fifth behind Hot Snitzel in the G3 Sebring Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Slipper Day. Better for that outing and will get a nice run behind Rain Affair during the race but will find the class and WFA conditions too much.
Odds: $201.00
5. SMOKIN’ JOEY – B Avdulla (2)
Rattled home first up in the Thoroughbred Club Cup (1200m) to finish a length from Ready To Rip and Club Command and produced a similar eye-catching performance when again closing well from the tail of the field to claim second behind Hot Snitzel in the Sebring Classic. Obviously going well and the step up to 1400m should suit but this is the top grade and would prefer him in something a touch easier.
Odds: $67.00
6. MORE JOYOUS – N Rawiller (1)
Nash will be out to redeem himself after finding nothing but bother in the G1 Queen of the Turf last start, where he finished fifth. He would’ve broke out in a cold sweat after More Joyous again drew the inside gate! He won’t be able to lead Rain Affair but he’ll have to get off as early as possible. If he can and she gets clear running – she’s the one to beat.
Odds: $2.50
7. ALL TOO HARD – D Dunn (7)
A lot will be made about how this horse is yet to win in Sydney but he’s matured since then and Team Hawkes can take their time with him now that the 2yo and 3yo races are behind him. He’ll track the mare everywhere she goes from gate seven and get he last shot but will he have the engine to run her down? He is first up from a eight week spell but did look the goods in winning a barrier trial here at Randwick last week. It’ll be a great last 100m!
Odds: $2.90
8. EPAULETTE – K McEvoy (6)
Thought his effort when first up in the G1 TJ Smith to finish second to Black Caviar was outstanding! He was very good last prep winning the G1 Golden Rose and G3 Guineas Prelude before chasing home All Too Hard and Pierro in the Caulfield Guineas. It appears that the break has done him the world of good and if the top two aren’t on their game, he could easily expose any weaknesses.
Odds: $4.60
OVERVIEW
Rain Affair leads with Rolling Pin going forward. Nash may get the chance to got off early here in the small field and sit behind – or even on, what should be a rolling tempo. If that’s the case, I think the mare wins. I can’t recall the last time – if ever, she has been run down. All Too Hard will give it a mighty shake, he’s been set for this one specifically. It’s between the two of them with Epaulette third.
