The Grafton Carnival kicks into gear this Wednesday, with the Ramornie Handicap (1200m) attracting a strong field.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Ramornie Handicap.
2025 Ramornie Handicap Runner Preview:
1. Compelling Truth: He has been kept on ice since the Hinkler win at Eagle Farm. Credit to him, he was there to be beaten but he found under pressure to fend them off and score. Good racing style, likely gets run of the race and be dangerous.
2. Prince Of Boom: To me, he looks cast and retirement beckons. If he brings his best, he wins. But his best hasn’t been seen for a long time.
3. Metalart: SCR
4. The Big Goodbye: Strong on speed win in this race two years ago. He has been kept on ice since the Chief De Beers on May 24 when a solid fourth. He can win…but I have others ahead of him.
5. Barber: Barber is one of the key threats. Richard Litt trained gelding that won the Takeover Target three back before a solid effort in the Bob Charley. He then went to the Healy at Eagle Farm and was okay late without threatening behind Metalart. Maps perfect and this isn’t a deep race.
6. Midnight In Tokyo: Been a mare I have dived into previously but she has let me down numerous times. In the mix, but me personally, I can’t back her.
7. Boom Torque: Odds on chance if he brought his best, but he hasn’t fired a shot this prep.
8. Sha Of Gomer: He got a really good ride in the Rocky Newmarket but even allowing for that, he was dominant late. Good test here but think he measures up.
9. Sinawann: He looks a horse ready for retirement despite a stable change and a seemingly nice trial.
10. Flying Crazy: He has talent but just not sure the set up is there for him to threaten.
11. At Witz End: SCR
12. He’s Heaven: Sat on speed in the Rocky Newmarket and battled away really well when third. But, I don’t think that is the right form reference.
13. Tribeca Star: I reckon Tribeca Star is here to play for Matty Dunn to be on the front shop window now that Kosciuszko tickets are available. Was on him in the CC Final and I just reckon 1400m sees him right out. Like him at 1200m fresh, and with two strong trials under the belt, I say he’s here to play.
14. Lady Extreme: Lady Extreme is flying for Blake Ryan and has earned a crack at this sort of race. She is 2/2 this time in, both at Rosehill. She resumed with a gutsy win in a Midway before going to 78 grade and knuckled down with purpose late to score. Good test here, but hard to knock how she’s returned.
15. Burning Bell: SCR
16. Maximum Vortex: He’ll spear across and likely lead but 1200m at this level seems a bridge too far.
17. The Great Houdini (First Emergency): He’s in the mix as a knockout hope given the way he gave them a start and a beating to win at Canterbury last time. He’ll spot them a start but be strong late.
18. The Face (Second Emergency): Can press forward but he lacks the class.
19. Rhythm Is A Dancer (Third Emergency): Was okay late at Tamworth last start but is eligible for much easier.
20. Staffa (Fourth Emergency): Not up to these.
2025 Ramornie Handicap $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Tribeca Star
Ramornie Handicap Odds
2025 Ramornie Handicap Speed Map
There looks to be a stack of early speed engaged, mainly drawn out wide, with Maximum Vortex, who will spear across. Compelling Truth will likely find the fence first though, but may opt for cover. The Big Goodbye could get the drag across.
