One of the feature races at Randwick this Saturday is The Shorts (1100m), where the market says it will be a ripping contest.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for The Shorts 2026.
The Shorts 2026 Runner Preview:
1. Ninja: He’s secured his Everest slot but I think is very dangerous here because he can get keen in the run…but in a fast run 1100m, I think he’ll relax and be quite strong late.
2. Joliestar: Joliestar is a gun mare and is one of the more dynamic gallopers in Australia when on the fresh side. She hasn’t raced since Royal Ascot where she ran her guts out and tried as hard as ever in defeat. Returns home, trialled well and has class on her side.
3. Headwall: Can make a case to say he wins the Concorde with clear air, but I am thinking maybe second up syndrome off the extended break could be on the cards. I think he’s a risk.
4. Jokers Grin: Lot of love and respect for a horse who really, hasn’t achieved much. He goes through to the keeper.
5. Mazu: Will land on speed and run well but I dare say will get the staggers late.
6. Spicy Martini: Better suited over further maybe? But hard to ignore her record and is a last start Group l winner. Must for exotics.
7. Marhoona: Just needed the run fresh in the Concorde. Hit and miss but she’s capable.
8. Grafterburners: Can see him bludging out the back and exploding late. But, can also see him failing to fire and heading back to Brisbane for the Magic Milliosn later in the year.
9. King’s Secret: King’s Secret is a big improver from the Concorde. He just didn’t look quite ready in the yard and while he didn’t win, I thought he ran a beauty. Likely has eyes on better races, but I say he commands serious respect here.
10. Mal Coupe: Flying but needs it easier I say.
11. Brave One: Looks outclassed.
12. Flying For Fun: I am very, very wary of Flying For Fun here. I think you can easily make a case she should be a multiple Group l winner, winning the Sangster and Goodwood if the breaks went her way. She has smoked in both trials, she has 54kg, will sit off a brutal speed and we know fresh, how dynamic she is. She has to be in the finish for mine despite the rider booking.
The Shorts 2026 $100 Betting Strategy:
$70 Win Joliestar, $10 Win/$20 Place Flying For Fun
The Shorts 2026 Speed Map
Think the speed is drawn inside with Mazu and Marhoona pressing forward, with pressure on the outside from potentiall Mal Coupe and Spicy Martini. They likely roll the dice on Ninja and try to find a spot.
The Shorts Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NINJA | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 9 | 57kg |
| 2 | JOLIESTAR | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 11 | 56kg |
| 3 | HEADWALL | Matthew Smith | Zac Lloyd | 5 | 56kg |
| 4 | JOKERS GRIN | Chris Waller | Adam Hyeronimus | 3 | 56kg |
| 5 | MAZU | Joseph Pride | Ms Rachel King | 1 | 56kg |
| 6 | SPICY MARTINI | Toby Edmonds | Taylor Marshall | 8 | 56kg |
| 7 | MARHOONA | Michael Freedman | Kerrin McEvoy | 2 | 56kg |
| 8 | GRAFTERBURNERS | Kelly Schweida | Jason Collett | 6 | 55kg |
| 9 | KING’S SECRET | Joseph Pride | Andrew Adkins | 4 | 55kg |
| 10 | MAL COUPE | Stephen O’Halloran | Tyler Schiller | 7 | 55kg |
| 11 | BRAVE ONE | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Dylan Gibbons | 10 | 55kg |
| 12 | FLYING FOR FUN | Bryce Heys | Ms Mollie Fitzgerald (a) | 12 | 54kg |
