The Invitation (1400m) is one of the feature races at Randwick this Saturday, with an open betting market suggesting a competitive contest.
Below is our speed map, runner-by-runner preview and $100 betting strategy for The Invitation 2026.
The Invitation 2026 Runner Preview:
1. Lazzura: Diameter is hard to beat. He was an eye catcher in the Caulfield Guineas, getting a fair way out of his ground but really liked the way he finished his race off in defeat. He will love getting onto a bigger track, he’s a key chance.
2. Idle Flyer: I thought she had excuses in the Epsom…but for me she looks in trouble in terms of form.
3. Verona Rose: Verona Rose is humming for Gary Portelli. She has been outstanding this time in, the latest being a few weeks ago in the Golden Pendant when closing with real purpose late when second to Lazzura. Hard fit, can settle closer, she takes a power of beating.
4. Super Smink: Barrier trial in the Golden Pendant when held up badly. If she gets room to move, she can launch late.
5. Infancy: Infancy has been given a mini freshen up since the Tibbie at Newcastle where she was quite good from off speed behind impressive winner Perfumist. Tick over trial was sharp and her best is clearly good enough to give this a shake.
6. Stylish: Won an awful race at Flemington IMO and looks up against it here.
7. Firestorm: Dangerous with her best but for me, the breeding barn is calling.
8. Tuileries: Launched late from off speed in the Golden Pendant and just couldn’t quite sustain the run. Tricky draw, I want to be against her.
9. Gerringong: Blessed in the Golden Pendant and just got there. Talented, but for me, this is harder and she seems way too short.
10. Perfumist: Outclassed in the Epsom. Much better suited at 1400m, against the Mares…dangerous.
11. Arabian Rose: Arabian Rose is a key chance. She resumed in The Nivison where she looked the winner when Tommy Berry pushed the button but first up, condition just gave out and she was pipped on the peg. Fitter, 1400m, bigger track, she takes beating.
12. Modella: Talented mare but needs things to fall into place and doubt she’ll get that here.
The Invitation 2026 $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Verona Rose
The Invitation 2026 Speed Map
Perfumist loves to roll on speed so I suspect she finds the top without too much pressure. Gerringong can settle handy, whilst drawn wide, Lazzura could be given a dig in the ribs to settle near the front.
The Invitation 2026 Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAZZURA | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 12 | 59kg |
| 2 | IDLE FLYER | Matthew Smith | Jason Collett | 8 | 59kg |
| 3 | VERONA ROSE | Gary Portelli | Kerrin McEvoy | 4 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | SUPER SMINK | John Thompson | Tom Sherry | 14 | 58.5kg |
| 5 | INFANCY | Kris Lees | Dylan Gibbons | 9 | 58.5kg |
| 6 | STYLISH | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Tim Clark | 2 | 58.5kg |
| 7 | FIRESTORM (NZ) | Chris Waller | Tyler Schiller | 11 | 58.5kg |
| 8 | TUILERIES | Peter Snowden | Zac Lloyd | 13 | 58kg |
| 9 | GERRINGONG | Chris & Corey Munce | Nash Rawiller | 7 | 58kg |
| 10 | PERFUMIST (NZ) | Bjorn Baker | Aaron Bullock | 6 | 58kg |
| 11 | ARABIAN ROSE | James Healy | Ms Tiffani Brooker | 3 | 58kg |
| 12 | MODELLA | Lee & Cherie Curtis | Andrew Adkins | 10 | 58kg |
| 13e | ASGARDA | John Sargent | 5 | 59kg | |
| 14e | MISS FREELOVE | Peter Snowden | 1 | 58kg |
The Invitation 2026 Odds
