Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's Randwick tips: Punters should plan their Exit on Saturday
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph's Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy debate the chances on Saturday's 10-race program at Royal Randwick.
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DUFF'S BEST BET
Race 2 No.3 EXIT FEE
DUFF'S BEST VALUE
Race 8 No.6 OH DIAMOND LIL
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Ron Dufficy: I liked the way AIX EN PROVENCE (5) put them away there first-up and although there's a little question mark whether he was flattered by the heavy track, I'm willing to take the risk at the price. CALLISTEMON (12) hasn't won in a while but she went close last start and she's going really well. HOOLIGAN TOMMY (6) is off a dominant win last start and could easily go on with the job. DANISH PRINCE (10) doesn't win out of turn but is very tough and never far away.
Ray Thomas: HOOLIGAN TOMMY (6) was dominant at Kembla Grange to continue his consistent form this campaign. This is harder but he's very fit and suited over this course and distance. PIRAEUS (4) gets back on a firmer deck here and can improve sharply. HELLFIRE EXPRESS (2) led throughout and scored comfortably over 1500m here last start. Prefers a touch more give in the ground but he still rates among the main chances. AIX EN PROVENCE (5) bolted home at Newcastle first-up and should be further improved.
Domeland 4yo Aix En Provence resumes from a spell with a strong victory for Head Trainer Sara Ryan and jockey @Grantbuckley30 at Newcastle! #TeamDomeland pic.twitter.com/tG3FfsYPS1
— Domeland Racing (@DomelandRacing) June 7, 2025
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Dufficy: Very keen on EXIT FEE (3). I've loved his two trials, he had good Highway form when last in work, and he's a young horse that could go through a few grades this preparation. The danger is SHROPSHIRE LAD (1). He will take great benefit from that Highway experience last run and I just wish he had drawn a bit better for a softer run. CALICO MISS (11) is a three-year-old filly with upside. It's not easy coming to a Highway so quickly but she is sharp and has drawn well. SATIN STILETTO (2) did enough in a lead-up and gets a better draw here.
Thomas: SHROPSHIRE LAD (1) won brilliantly at the Scone stand-alone meeting then was wide albeit with cover at Randwick and was beaten by a narrow margin. Tough effort last start and he's the one to beat although his wide draw is a leveller. CALICO MISS (11) is a speedy filly who has shown plenty of promise in her debut preparation. She's confronted by a steep rise in grade but her inside draw is advantageous. PRETTY VEGAS (4) is racing consistently and EXIT FEE (3) has to be included in the main chances.
The first two races at Rosehill go to @ZacLloydx with Exit Fee winning the TAB Highway for @GoulburnTrainer! ðŸ'° @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/RnXcTUHV6Y
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 22, 2025
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Dufficy: BRAVE ONE (4) fought hard behind a nice type last start. He has a tricky draw but with any luck this looks a nice race for him. BENGAL (3) will find this harder than his Highway win last start but he's a three-year-old on the improve from an in-form stable. LUNAITE (10) is an interesting filly off two big heavy track wins. She's Paul Snowden's first Saturday runner who looks well fancied. PRETTY POWERFUL (7) is an untapped colt resuming off two good wins and should be respected.
Thomas: BRAVE ONE (4) ran well first-up on a heavy track at Canterbury then matched motors with Kerguelen as they drew clear of their rivals at Rosehill last start. Team Hawkes has found the right race for Brave One, he just needs a touch of luck from an awkward draw and he will be in the finish. LUNAITE (10) has put a margin on her rivals with easy wins at Newcastle in successive starts and deserves her chance here. AMUSING (11) showed promise in her debut preparation and is one to watch. SECURE (5) comes off two solid midweek wins.
Brave One races on the speed, travels well under @ZacLloydx, and the son of Exceedance handles the wet track to win on debut for @HawkesRacing � @racing_nsw | @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/gRZFlDaPTE
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 6, 2024
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Dufficy: Tricky race. I'm with SHE'S UNUSUAL (9) who is third-up now and gives the impression she wants this distance. I'm happy to go with different form. MILLIE DE LUNE (12) was quite dominant winning last start and if she can turn that form around to a firmer track here she will be hard to beat again. PIPPIE BEACH (3) comes out of a slowly run lead-up but she is going well in two runs this preparation and can't knock her consistency. SEAFALL (2) maps better from this draw with a forgivable wet track run last start.
Thomas: GENTLESCHI (8) had to come back slightly in trip and wasn't suited by an indifferent tempo but she closed the race off strongly to finish fifth, beaten only about a half length behind Shohisha over 1600m here last start. The step up to 1800m suits here and she's at value odds. MILLIE DE LUNE (12) finished her race off powerfully to beat Hurstville Zagreb over 2000m her last start and although she has to come back slightly in trip, she's a filly racing in very good form. PIGGYBACK (5) has returned in very good form and is right in the mix again.
She's Unusual leads the journey and kicks away for an easy win! @JohnOSheaRacing pic.twitter.com/iZxe5v8Vh9
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 17, 2024
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Dufficy: I liked the way SOUNDS UNUSUAL (2) put away his rivals last start, looking like a promising middle distance type in the making. With any luck from the draw he is going to be hard to beat again. MISS KIM KAR (5) was not suited by the style of race last start but she gets nice cover with the claim here and is back in grade. INTERJECTION (3) ran a much better run with not much luck last start and does not work from the draw here on a suitable dry track. HOPPER (11) was great first-up, went up in class last time and ran well and might have more upside than most here.
Thomas: SOUNDS UNUSUAL (2) demolished his rivals at Warwick Farm winning by a big margin in heavy going but he's just as effective on a firmer track. He's in the zone now and will be hard to beat again despite the outside draw. MISS KIM KAR (5) just missed a place at Randwick last start but wasn't beaten far in a race where the tempo was against her. She's racing well and can bounce back. HOPPER (11) has returned in good form and made a race of it with Mickey's Medal last start and that horse has since won again. ENGINE ROOM (6) won't be far away.
ðŸ'Š Sounds Unusual wins with ease!
A nice watch for punters as he sails to victory under @mcacajamez for @cwallerracing who score a double! @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/yeEfOSk9OI
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 4, 2025
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Dufficy: I like a longshot here in SALT LAKE CITY (1). He's an import who produced a much better run behind Loch Eagle at just his second Australian start in harder grade than this when he covered ground and ran fifth. With the claim and down in grade, I'm happy to have something on him at odds. ZAPHOD (4) didn't handle the very heavy track last start but I like the blinkers going on with the inside draw. PROMITTO (7) is going well without winning and although up in class he is very well weighted and has a good chance. QUANTUM CAT (10) has his hoof on the till and this appears a suitable race for him.
Thomas: QUANTUM CAT (10) struck a very heavy track at Randwick but stuck to his guns when third to Glory Daze over 2000m. He has to come back slightly in trip but is better suited in the drier conditions. This is his chance. ZAPHOD (4) was an unplaced favourite in the same Randwick race last start deserves another chance on the firmer track here. HOLLYWOOD HERO (2) didn't have a lot of luck last start and stays under notice. I'm also wary of the improving SALT LAKE CITY (1).
Loch Eagle flies to win at Randwick! 🦅 @Leesracing @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/KzE4STKoeG
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025
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Dufficy: SHALL BE (4) appeals at odds to me. He's a shortcourse specialist resuming, he's a three-year-old who has done nothing wrong, he's got that coveted draw in a very fast race, and I feel he can sit right on them and run a very good race. GITALONG (2) was close up behind STORM THE RAMPARTS (1) last start and is 2.5kgs better off at the weights this time. HI DUBAI (3) might improve with that one run under her belt. LULUMON (6) was great first-up, should be forgiven for her last start failure and will be charging home off the hot speed.
Thomas: GITALONG (2) travelled wide in front at Randwick last start and led for a long way only to be edged out by STORM THE RAMPARTS (1). The pair clash again, Gitalong is drawn inside his rival and meets him better at the weights. Gitalong on top from HI DUBAI (3) who ran very well when resuming and gets in nicely at the weights after the claim. LULUMON (6) ran down Storm The Ramparts at Gosford then had excuses at Rosehill and she rates among the main chances. No knock on Storm The Ramparts although he is creeping up in the weights.
⛈� Back-to-back Randwick wins for Storm The Ramparts as @PrideRacing trains the last three winners, and a double to Adam Hyeronimus! 🥳 @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/qBP014nBar
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025
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Dufficy: OH DIAMOND LIL (6) was great winning first-up then a little flat last time on a softer track so back on a firmer footing and in a race where she can get some control she will be harder to run down. RAIKKONEN (1) is an exciting prospect heading in the right direction. He was fantastic with no luck last start but just that big weight and wide draw won't make it easy for him. CAPTAIN AMELIA (9) is going better than her form suggests and the drier track plays into her hands. WOOLOOWIN (3) was very good back to this class last start and she can hold that form now.
Thomas: RAIKKONEN (1) is an emergency in the Civic Stakes but is in the field for that race now. If the stable runs here, he's the one to beat but it is likely they will go to the stakes race. If Raikkonen comes out as expected, then this is a very open race. CODE IN TIME (12) raced very consistently last campaign, resumes here off two even trials and he does sprint well fresh. OH DIAMOND LIL (6) can improve sharply on the drier track, as you pointed out, Ronnie. FIDDLERS GREEN (13) was very good first-up at Warwick Farm and will be finishing strongly.
ðŸ'Ž Oh Diamond Lil gets the perfect run and wins at Scone! @KPMcEvoy | @DavidPfieffer pic.twitter.com/L8AM0u5DwG
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025
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Dufficy: This is a good Civic Stakes, Ray. This is a better option for RAIKKONEN (21) even though it is a tougher race. If he gets a run he has a huge chance. HEADLEY GRANGE (13) is building a good looking record and it is hard to knock him even though there is more depth to this race. GREBENI (6) will be running on strongly late on the back-up. WELWAL (2) has had a few excuses of late and he is capable of an upset.
Thomas: HEADLEY GRANGE (13) resumed with a brilliant win over 1300m at Randwick. He was held up for a run in the straight but when the gap came, he accelerated impressively and recorded a fast closing 200m sectional to win well. He will be fitter and excels over the 1400m here. RAIKKONEN (21) will be very hard to beat. He's a promising young sprinter and will be hitting the line hard. GREBENI (6) is racing very well and deserves a win. BASES LOADED (5) sprints well fresh and is drawn to advantage.
Headley Grange wins first up to give @PrideRacing a Randwick double! 🙌 @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/sWNPkCPCrW
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025
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Dufficy: Godolphin is very strong here, I like all their horses. I'm interested in RAZORS (10). Although he hasn't raced for over a year he is very genuine and is trialling nicely. KERGUELEN (19) is the pick in the market of the Godolphin team but it is a big step in grade although he does look a nice horse in the making. He just has to prove himself on a drier track. CONTEMPORARY (1) hasn't won in a while but is nicely placed here third-up and loves the track and distance. FULLY LIT (14) has blinkers on and back to a drier track is capable of improving.
Thomas: I've gone with KERGUELEN (19). He's lightly raced but obviously has ability and was impressive first-up beating Brave One at Rosehill. He will be improved and should go close despite his awkward draw. ACCREDITED (5) has drawn outside Kerguelen but will be suited getting onto a drier track. CONTEMPORARY (1) is up in the weights but he was competitive in a strong form race last start and PEREILLE (3) is fitter for recent racing.
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( Supplied ) The last hymn you hear before heaven or hell A paramedic has called ahead to alert the hospital that Valdas urgently needs to go on a heart-lung bypass machine, called ECMO, if he is to survive. The ECMO machine warms and oxygenates his blood outside his body and then pumps it back in, until they can restart his heart. Valdas stays on the machine in a coma for four days. As he wakes, he hears a hymn playing over and over in his head. "The last hymn you hear before ending up in heaven, or in hell," he says. "After the hymn I open my eyes and see white — a white ceiling above. I was waking up in the ICU ward." Valdas regained consciousness in hospital. ( Supplied ) While doctors, nurses and paramedics are overjoyed, there is concern he has suffered brain damage from the accident. Jurgita Rakauskaite-Stanwix, a member of the Hobart Lithuanian community, comes in to help with translation. She holds his hand and translates for doctors as they undertake tests to assess his neurological state. On the second day, Valdas surprises everyone when he speaks in English. "He said, 'I'm survivor!'" Jurgita says. "I was in tears. Nurses were in tears. It's just such a beautiful moment. And he is. He is a survivor." Before long, Valdas meets the man who amputated his leg in the wilderness. Valdas meets his rescuers in hospital. ( Supplied ) Jo also works as a trauma specialist, and becomes Valdas's treating doctor. "I felt like I had to apologise. And he too was quite emotional," the doctor says. "We both looked at his leg, and looked at each other, and said, 'I'm sorry, this is the way it is.'" Valdas knows the amputation was the right call. "Otherwise I would still be stuck there to this day. I would have two legs, but I would still be over there," he says. 'Life is a beautiful thing' In late January, Valdas returned home to Lithuania's capital Vilnius. His sister Rasa is helping in his recovery. "This accident has given me the understanding that in life, everything is possible. Every challenge can be overcome," she says. When Australian Story visited Valdas in May, he was walking on crutches. Now, he's learning to walk again with a prosthesis. Australian Story met Valdas in Lithuania. ( Australian Story: Tom Hancock ) "I survived. I endured. That's the greatest joy," he says. "As for the leg, that's not a problem. "The main thing is being alive and life is a beautiful thing." Arvydas says his friend was a legend with two legs, and is now a "double legend". "It doesn't matter. Broken leg. Cut leg. But alive," he says. A lot went wrong for Valdas, but a lot went his way, too. His thick wetsuit kept him warm. He was wearing a life jacket — without it, Ace believes he "probably would have got sucked under the rock". If it had rained even a few millimetres, the river could have risen and drowned him. The marathon rescue involved two helicopters, 500 kilograms of gear and a record-breaking 57 winches. And, communication problems which dogged the rescuers were helped when an AMSA jet was flown overhead later in the rescue to provide critical radio communications. Valdas is grateful for those who saved his life. "The Australian people were fantastic. It brings tears to my eyes when I remember their care," he says. "If it had happened in a place other than Australia, heaven knows what would have happened to me." Valdas and his friends in Lithuania. ( Australian Story: Tom Hancock ) A vow to finish what he started Valdas now has the "crazy idea" to return to the Franklin River in 2026 and finish the journey that changed his life forever. "Because that incident interrupted our expedition, the Franklin River venture remained unfinished," he says. "I don't know whether anyone has ever gone rafting with a prosthesis." Arvydas would be at his side — and their rafting party may include a new member. Jo has formed a strong bond with Valdas. "Valdas is a tremendously strong, independent, accomplished person," he says. "This idea that Valdas might want to come back and do the Franklin doesn't surprise me one little bit. "And I'd love to do that trip with him." Watch Australian Story's 'The River' part 1, 8:00pm Monday June 23, on ABCTV and ABC iview . 'The River' part 2, on Monday July 7. Credits:
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Teenager Pretorius hits century on S Africa Test debut
Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius has scored 153 on his debut and Corbin Bosch an unbeaten maiden century as a much-changed South Africa reached 9-418 for nine on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. After electing to bat, South Africa were in early trouble at 4-55 with the ball nipping around in the fresh morning conditions, but Pretorius, 19, put on 95 for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis (51) to change the course of the innings. He said: "It was amazing. I was quite nervous (when I walked in). I'm glad (the debut is) over. We knew they only had two seamers and we knew we could take the spinners out of the attack. I just love batting, fortunately it worked out for me today." Bosch's late burst provided a first test century for the all-rounder as he finished unbeaten on 100 from 124 balls and will resume on the second day with Kwena Maphaka, who has nine. The touring side have only four starters from the side who won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's this month, with several players rested and captain Temba Bavuma unavailable due to injury. Pretorius's153 came from 160 balls as the left-hander became the youngest South African to score a century on a Test debut, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe twice felt they had him caught behind, but with no third umpire in operation for the two-game series, their vociferous appeals were turned down with no way to challenge the decisions. Seamer Tanaka Chivanga got early joy for the hosts with an excellent spell of bowling, picking up three wickets in the first session and adding the prized scalp of Pretorius for figures of 4-83. The South African youngster tried to pull a steep bouncer from Chivanga but succeeded only in skying the ball to Wellington Masakadza at mid-on. Chivanga removed openers Tony de Zorzi (0) and Matthew Breetzke (13), and David Bedingham (0) in his first spell, bringing Pretorius to the wicket with the score on 23. Wiaan Mulder (17) looked in good touch before he was run out chasing a quick single, but Brevis and Pretorius shared a quickfire 95-run partnership in 86 balls to swing the momentum South Africa's way. Kyle Verreynne (10) came and went cheaply, before Pretorius and Bosch added 108 for the seventh wicket to put the tourists firmly in control. Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius has scored 153 on his debut and Corbin Bosch an unbeaten maiden century as a much-changed South Africa reached 9-418 for nine on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. After electing to bat, South Africa were in early trouble at 4-55 with the ball nipping around in the fresh morning conditions, but Pretorius, 19, put on 95 for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis (51) to change the course of the innings. He said: "It was amazing. I was quite nervous (when I walked in). I'm glad (the debut is) over. We knew they only had two seamers and we knew we could take the spinners out of the attack. I just love batting, fortunately it worked out for me today." Bosch's late burst provided a first test century for the all-rounder as he finished unbeaten on 100 from 124 balls and will resume on the second day with Kwena Maphaka, who has nine. The touring side have only four starters from the side who won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's this month, with several players rested and captain Temba Bavuma unavailable due to injury. Pretorius's153 came from 160 balls as the left-hander became the youngest South African to score a century on a Test debut, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe twice felt they had him caught behind, but with no third umpire in operation for the two-game series, their vociferous appeals were turned down with no way to challenge the decisions. Seamer Tanaka Chivanga got early joy for the hosts with an excellent spell of bowling, picking up three wickets in the first session and adding the prized scalp of Pretorius for figures of 4-83. The South African youngster tried to pull a steep bouncer from Chivanga but succeeded only in skying the ball to Wellington Masakadza at mid-on. Chivanga removed openers Tony de Zorzi (0) and Matthew Breetzke (13), and David Bedingham (0) in his first spell, bringing Pretorius to the wicket with the score on 23. Wiaan Mulder (17) looked in good touch before he was run out chasing a quick single, but Brevis and Pretorius shared a quickfire 95-run partnership in 86 balls to swing the momentum South Africa's way. Kyle Verreynne (10) came and went cheaply, before Pretorius and Bosch added 108 for the seventh wicket to put the tourists firmly in control. Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius has scored 153 on his debut and Corbin Bosch an unbeaten maiden century as a much-changed South Africa reached 9-418 for nine on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. After electing to bat, South Africa were in early trouble at 4-55 with the ball nipping around in the fresh morning conditions, but Pretorius, 19, put on 95 for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis (51) to change the course of the innings. He said: "It was amazing. I was quite nervous (when I walked in). I'm glad (the debut is) over. We knew they only had two seamers and we knew we could take the spinners out of the attack. I just love batting, fortunately it worked out for me today." Bosch's late burst provided a first test century for the all-rounder as he finished unbeaten on 100 from 124 balls and will resume on the second day with Kwena Maphaka, who has nine. The touring side have only four starters from the side who won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's this month, with several players rested and captain Temba Bavuma unavailable due to injury. Pretorius's153 came from 160 balls as the left-hander became the youngest South African to score a century on a Test debut, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe twice felt they had him caught behind, but with no third umpire in operation for the two-game series, their vociferous appeals were turned down with no way to challenge the decisions. Seamer Tanaka Chivanga got early joy for the hosts with an excellent spell of bowling, picking up three wickets in the first session and adding the prized scalp of Pretorius for figures of 4-83. The South African youngster tried to pull a steep bouncer from Chivanga but succeeded only in skying the ball to Wellington Masakadza at mid-on. Chivanga removed openers Tony de Zorzi (0) and Matthew Breetzke (13), and David Bedingham (0) in his first spell, bringing Pretorius to the wicket with the score on 23. Wiaan Mulder (17) looked in good touch before he was run out chasing a quick single, but Brevis and Pretorius shared a quickfire 95-run partnership in 86 balls to swing the momentum South Africa's way. Kyle Verreynne (10) came and went cheaply, before Pretorius and Bosch added 108 for the seventh wicket to put the tourists firmly in control.
