Sydney’s feature race at Randwick’s meeting this Saturday, is the G2 Expressway Stakes. It sees the return to racing of Boban, who put himself firmly in the centre of the Australian racing spotlight last spring with five consecutive victories including the G1 Epsom and Emirates Stakes. He has opened up the favourite here at $2.60, already firming from $2.80. Another who has met with strong support early is Rain Affair. His initial opening price of $6.00 was quickly snapped up and is now on the second line of betting at $4.80.
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1. BOBAN – N Rawiller (1) 58.5kgs
Indicated during the Brisbane winter carnival that he had ability but the Chris Waller trained runner exceeded all expectations by registering five consecutive wins during the spring, among them the G1 Epsom Handicap and G1 Emirates Stakes, both over the mile. The son of Bernardini is able to produce an amazing finishing burst and whilst Waller will have left something for him to improve on given the fact that he is first up and has an ambitious campaign ahead of him, he clearly has the class to win this first up.
Odds: $2.60
2. RAIN AFFAIR – T Clark (9) 58.5kgs
The talented if sometimes frustrating galloper, he has been beaten four of the last five times he has started favourite, returns to racing here off an eighteen week spell. First up last prep, he registered a dominant 5 ½ length win in the G3 Missile Stakes (1200m) over Mic Mac, ran on his preferred soft conditions. Trainer Joe Pride has given the 6yo two barrier trails in the past three weeks, the last of which (31st Jan) was a strong ½ length win over Romantic Touch and Driefontein. He’ll scoot along out in front and give them plenty to catch.
Odds: $4.80
3. MORIARTY – (2) 58.5kgs
He won the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) third up during his spring preparation before a close up effort in the Metrop (2400m). He rounded out his campaign with a good effort in the Caulfield Cup and third placing in the G1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m). Worked home well in his only trial since the spring a fortnight ago but the shortest race he has contested in his career prior to this race was 1400m, when also first up off a spell. He was well accounted for that day and will find this field too slick.
Odds: $67.00
4. CARLTON HOUSE – T Berry (3) 58.5kgs
Raced by The Queen, trainer Gai Waterhouse has taken her time with this 6yo stallion by Street Cry since his one and only run in Australia resulted in him running thirteenth as the 3/1 favourite in the G2 Ajax Stakes (1500m). He has had plenty of work put into him since that run last March and has had barrier trials in July, August and September with another more recently in January. He has never contested a race shorter than the Ajax and even though he’ll be fit, he’ll be better suited again over something longer.
Odds: $13.00
5. HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME – J Ford (6) 58.5kgs
The 5yo son of Written Tycoon returned from a twenty-eight week spell with a very good second to Knoydart in the Listed Canterbury Classic (1100m) a fortnight ago. Under 61kgs, he sat on the speed and held off all bar the challenge of Knoydart who, with 7kgs less to carry and a good run home along the fence, was able to record a length win. He’ll be fitter for that effort but will need to be near the very top of his game at this level. He has only the one win at this distance from his past five attempts which came in the G3 Healy Stakes on a slow track.
Odds: $12.00
6. PINWHEEL – C Reith (10) 58.5kgs
After claiming the G2 Warwick Stakes in August 2012, the now 8yo has been raced sparingly, only having contested seven races since then. In each of those events, despite not notching up a win, the Darley representative has always given a good account of himself. He’ll be ready to produce his best after having had two barrier trials in the past three weeks however; he’ll be taking on one the strongest fields he has faced in the past 12 months and jumping from the widest gate will also present a challenge.
Odds: $10.00
7. SPEEDINESS – J McDonald (7) 58.5kgs
Hard to believe this 6yo by Testa Rossa finished last preparation without a Group 1 victory given the form he was in. After winning the G3 Bobbie Lewis (1200m) first up down the Flemington Straight, the Colin Scott trained runner was beaten by poor barriers in both the G1 Rupert Clark and G1 Toorak Hcp where he produced fantastic runs to finish fourth in each event. He was then pipped on the post in the G2 Crystal Mile by Toydini after looking the winner before, at his most recent start, finishing a neck behind Boban in the G1 Emirates Stakes. Will be giving some smart sprinters a start here goes well fresh and will be steaming home late.
Odds: $6.50
8. SIZZLING – J Bowman (11) 58.5kgs
Now with Chris Waller, this will be the 4yo’s first run since he finished seventh (1 ¾ lengths) to Boban in the G1 Epsom Handicap (1600m). That continued his run of consistent efforts in quality races where on most occasions, he had to come from well back in large fields. Waller, who will be looking for a feature win with the son of Snitzel before he goes to Stud, has given him two barrier trials in the past three weeks. Yet to win a race outside of Queensland but he’ll enjoy the solid tempo of this race and is worthy of consideration for the multiples at double figure odds.
Odds: $14.00
9. RIVER LAD – J Parr (8) 58.5kgs
Carried 60.5kgs when first up off a six month spell, the Natalie McCall trained runner won an Open class race at Doomben over six furlongs. Obviously better for that run but faces a massive rise in grade here and the WFA conditions will surely test. Better suited in something easier than this.
Odds: $34.00
10. APPEARANCE – B Shinn (4) 56.5kgs
Triple Group 1 winning mare who returns to racing after a short spring campaign that saw her finish well down the track in the G3 Sheraco Stakes first up, followed by a fourth to Sharnee Rose in the G3 Golden Pendent (1400m). Trainer Guy Walter has stated he’s happy where she is at for her return after seeing her in her two barrier trials in the past month. Up with the very best mares in the country at her best and should be able to secure a lovely run in transit from gate four.
Odds: $9.00
11. ANY DAY WILL DO – (5) 56.5kgs
A stable-mate to Appearance, the 4yo mare is a progressive type who has won her three most recent starts. After winning a BM 70 (1600m) when leading all the way as the even money favourite, she travelled to Goulburn and from another on-pace position, lasted to defeat Taxmeifyoucan in the Goulburn Cup (1600m). That victory came at the end of November and the daughter of Any Given Sunday has had the one trial in preparation for her return, a quiet hit-out just over a week ago.
Odds: $81.00
RACE OVERVIEW
Boban’s stats for first up and for this trip aren’t flash, and you’d think if he is to be beaten this prep his first up run would be his most vulnerable however, he blossomed into a superstar last time in work and could possible have come back better again. Tim Clark rides Rain Affair in a race for the first time but did get a feel for the horse in his latest trial. He’ll roll along out in front but be kept honest by Howmuchdoyouloveme who has drawn inside of him and could possibly be a thorn in his side. Speediness was fantastic last prep and each of his past fresh runs have been very good. He’ll be rocketing home at the end but some concern over how far back he’ll get. Appearance may be the danger. A very smart mare that has gotten the better of Streama, Red Tracer and More Joyous in the past. She’s drawn to get a lovely cart behind the field and Walter has been confident the mare has returned in good order.
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- BOBAN
- RAIN AFFAIR
- APPEARANCE
- SPEEDINESS
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
