Race-by-race tips and previews for Saturday's meeting at Randwick
5. Agarwood could not have been any more impressive on debut at Warwick Farm. It was a win that ticked every box. The daughter of Wooton Bassett jumped on terms, but once she was cleared, she was happy to settle in behind the speed. She dropped her head and when asked to quicken put a margin on her rivals. What also stands out is that she clocked a time half a second quicker than the colts and gelding's 1000m race at the same meeting. That was won by 2. Regulated Affair. Her time was even quicker, marginally, than the BM72 won by Pokerjack. Two-year-olds running a faster time than the older horses is a big tick. How she handles the jump straight out to 1200m on a heavy track is the punt. 3. Sequista has been scratched several times since she tackled the Percy Sykes. That leaves her to tackle Saturday's race six weeks between runs. She came from well back to run third on debut behind Within The Law before finishing two lengths away from Tempted, arguably the season's best two-year-old.
How to play it: Agarwood to win.
Race 2 – 11.35AM MIDWAY HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
9. First Mission returned as a gelding at Canterbury over 1200m and landed confident late bets to win like a horse that should go through his grades. This Midway looks a perfect stepping stone out to 1400m. He still isn't the finished article, but the operation looks to have him on the right path given the way he executed three weeks ago. It's no easy task winning in any grade first up on a heavy track and that's what this three-year-old achieved. He had only one official trial prior, too. Zac Wadick takes the ride on Saturday, and the son of Snitzel will carry 53.5kg. 14. Bend The Knee made up late ground to run third at the midweeks last start. The run was better than the form guide reads. It wasn't easy work for backmarkers at that meeting. The wetter the better for the six-year-old given how he won at Wyong on a heavy 10 two back. 15. Oui Oui Oui is another untapped three-year-old. Was deep ended in the Hawkesbury Guineas where he was only beaten four lengths.
How to play it: First Mission to win.
Race 3 – 12.10PM TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
If a dry track awaited, you'd be happy to take the short odds about 2. So You Pence. The lightly raced five-year-old is making up for lost time having spent over two years on the sidelines before this campaign. She raced like she needed it first up. Since then, she had recorded two wins by a combined margin of 10 lengths. She was sent around $1.35 at Goulburn, winning by near seven lengths before starting a similar price at Wagga. Has good tactical speed, race sense and a turn of foot. The unknown on Saturday is how the daughter of So You Think handles a heavy track. She has only raced on good tracks. If Matt Dale is happy to run, that might be a push in itself. 1. My Last Hooray has improved with each run this time back. Has a heavy-track win already to his name, albeit in easier grade. He overachieved relative to his starting price at Warwick Farm last start in BM72 company. After settling out the back he made late ground behind Secure.
How to play it: So You Pence to win.
Race 4 – 12.45PM CHALOUHI HANDICAP (1800 METRES)
5. Hurstville Zagreb was eight weeks between runs when resuming at Gosford. The O'Shea and Charlton-trained galloper had to be stoked up early but kept finding the line to go down in a photo finish. A dropped whip in the straight may have proved costly. The progression out to 1800m looks perfect now as he lopes towards the Queensland Derby. The son of Divine Prophet is an imposing three-year-old. He just needs time to wind up. The Randwick expanses and a heavy track should at least ensure he isn't outsprinted. He won on a heavy track at Goulburn in maiden grade and looked very comfortable in the going. 4. Duvana had excuses through that same race at Gosford last start, yet was still beaten less than a length. He didn't get the chance to build into the race. Gosford is a momentum track. He had to make his run underneath the field, too. That was inferior ground in the straight. Duvana also has a heavy-track win to his name. 9. Sisu Spirit wasn't given much early peace at Wyong last start but kept running through the line to win well.
How to play it: Hurstville Zagreb to win.
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News.com.au
27-06-2025
- News.com.au
Trainer Blake Ryan rapt with ‘honest' mare Lady Extreme ahead of Rosehill Gardens test
Proven performer Lady Extreme has given trainer Blake Ryan every indication she's ready to back up her slashing first-up performance at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Lady Extreme is one of the most consistent horses in Ryan's barn and can make it back-to-back victories in the Chandon Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m). The daughter of Extreme Choice was an excellent first-up winner at Midway grade last month. Ryan gave her a month to get over the run and hopes it can pay significant dividends in the final event on the program. 'She was terrific first-up and is as honest as you can find a horse anywhere,' Ryan said. 'I've been really happy with her the past couple of weeks. I had her in the other week but pulled her out. 'I wasn't convinced she was ready to be back at the races but have been really happy with her this week and I am happy with her as I was first-up.' Lady Extreme swoops on them to take the Midway at Rosehill first up! ðŸ'¨ @blakeryan86 | @AlyshaCollett | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 31, 2025 Lady Extreme reaped the benefits of being ridden colder last start before surging late to get up. Despite drying barrier one, Ryan is eager for jockey Alysha Collett to take a similar approach. 'I don't want to be too close,' Ryan said. 'We've had the opinion all the way along to ride her like we did the other day with Alysha on her, let the speed go and have one crack at them. 'Where she had drawn in the past has forced our hand going forward and a lot of people think she is a speed horse, but she's not.' Lady Extreme's record of three wins and six placings from 10 starts has already made her a promising broodmare prospect. A win on Saturday could see Ryan attempt to make her even more valuable. 'If she happened to win on Saturday and it's half pie-in-the-sky stuff but she would be a three-time city winning mare by Extreme Choice so the only thing left to do would be to try and get black type,' he said. 'It's 17 days to the Ramornie (at Grafton) from Saturday and if she won I'd nominate her but she mightn't get enough points to get into that field.'
West Australian
26-06-2025
- West Australian
Opportunistic out to claim next leg of three-year-old feature series in Belmont Guineas
Brilliant Raconteur Stakes winner Opportunistic will look to clinch another leg of the three-year-old feature series in Saturday's Listed $125,000 Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Pinjarra. At Bunbury a fortnight earlier, Opportunistic was sent out a $5 elect with the Grant and Alana Williams-trained Storyville a popular $2.25 favourite. Settling towards the rear of the field, Clint Johnston-Porter launched the Michael Grantham-prepared gelding wide and began a stirring run which soon carried him past Storyville at the the 200m mark. Rushing to the front, Opportunistic now had Elite Missile appearing to his outside after peeling from his back but the inexperienced son of So You Think fought manfully to hold his final challenger by a head. Despite beating Storyville that day and with the rise from 1400m appearing no object, Opportunistic is an easing $3.80 TABtouch second fancy behind the filly, who has been supported from $3.30 down to $2.75. Elite Missile, who opened as short as $3.40, has now drifted to be a clear third fancy at $4.20 with all other runners at double-figure prices. Redback Flyer ($10), a hulking son of Playing God, was especially impressive in his three most recent starts which have all reaped victories. He has since been freshened before trialling on June 16 at Lark Hill when defeated in a three-way throw to the line and the addition of bar plates will be a worry to most punters. Earthstorm ($11) was badly held up for most of the home straight last weekend and hit the line well once finally clear behind Arcadia Knight. This is understandably harder but despite winning only one of her 12 race starts, she has frequently mixed it with the best of her age. Wind And The Lion ($17) is on trial at the mile but although he couldn't match the turn of foot from Opportunistic last start, he found the line with purpose late. Fifth Essence ($17) shoved his way through the pack before unleashing a terrific turn of foot to settle his June 18 contest at Bunbury and shows high potential notwithstanding the fact he will meet a substantially more difficult lineup. King Hit ($34) plugged away OK in the Raconteur and would need to lift noticeably, while the rest of the field bar Showlas ($61) and Quick Cookie ($126) are coming out of maidens. Showlas won a Class 1 at Northam last start, while Snipperando captured her fourth career win in a Class 3 on the same day. Impressive Jewel ($81) was chinned in a maiden behind Romantic Ruler and Icandoit Onmyown ($201) broke through for her first success in a Bunbury maiden on June 18. Earlier in the programme, some promising two-year-olds will do battle in the second race with Mardusa ($2.60f) leading the call. The son of Maurice hacked up at his first run this preparation - the second of his racing tenure - when scoring by three lengths despite being slowly into stride at Northam on June 4. He meets speedy Bunbury winner Baby Pearl ($5.50), who looks suited by drawing barrier one, and Aberdeen Flyer ($5.50), who looked useful in two starts earlier this year. Aberdeen Flyer, an imposing sort, has had two eye-catching trials in preparation for this, the last of which was a three-length romp at Belmont on June 9. His rider, Brad Parnham, will also renew his association with sprightly three-year-old Repossession ($2.25f) in race three after Ryan Houston's three-kilo claim was utilised at his prior run. On that day, Houston was bailed up in traffic but secured a seam late for the Sessions gelding to burst through and seal the race by a widening two lengths. The Chris and Michael Gangemi-trained youngster now comes up against older rivals such as Celestial Storm ($6), Supersession ($7), Hanchi ($7.50) and Cool Memory ($8). Supersession's younger full-sister, Supernatural ($12), goes around in race six where Want A Winner ($3.80f) leads the market. A victor at his only two starts, Want A Winner ran third in a three-way photo at Belmont trials on June 9 behind Horcrux ($4.40). Horcrux, while still trained by Simon Miller, has changed ownership since his last race in the 3yo Magic Millions and teams up with William Pike for the first time. Lightly raced five-year-old My Hidden Universe ($5.50) is next in line and will be much better served rising to 1200m after playing second fiddle to the fleet-footed Desert Whisper two weeks ago. + Four-year-old Firestorm ($4.20f) is top of the betting for the Group 1 Tattersall's Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm after a fast-finishing third in the Dane Ripper a fortnight ago. It was the daughter of Satono Aladdin's first run for the preparation and will again be partnered by James McDonald in a bid to turn the tables on the in-form Floozie ($4.40), who beat her last start. Floozie is on a hot-streak with victories at all four of her starts this campaign and is trained locally by leading trainer Tony Gollan with Angela Jones to take the mount. Tashi ($7.50) was runner-up in the Ripper and had also placed second in her two starts prior. Somewhat frustratingly for connections, she has placed second at 10 of her 25 career appearances for just four wins. The now Yulong-owned Grinzinger Belle ($11) makes her reappearance having last been seen down the track in the Queen Of The Turf in April. + Bezzecchi ($2.80) and Aston Smokey ($3.80) enter Saturday's Paradise Street Trophy (601m) at Cannington in peak form with both boasting three-long winning streaks heading into the clash. Although Bezzecchi is likely to start favourite, he will only do so under the circumstance that second reserve West On Sidney ($2.40) fails to get a run. West On Sidney was a highly unlucky fifth in their heat last week and missed qualification as Bezzecchi held Sunset Comanche ($6) to win by a head. Aston Smokey surged to an early lead and was not for catching in his heat, scoring by more than two lengths despite running a length and a half slower than Bezzechi. He must lead again to win and certainly can do so but his task has been made tougher by drawing box eight, while Bezzecchi is in five. Paul Stuart, who trains Bezzecchi, has an able second-stringer with Vinales ($4.60) sneaking into the final when fourth behind Aston Smokey. He appears much better suited from box one with Sunset Serengeti ($7) rounding out those under double figures.
Mercury
21-06-2025
- Mercury
Murwillumbah preview, tips: Ethan Ensby's Rainbow Lass chases hat-trick
In-form mare Rainbow Lass isn't just chasing a hat-trick of wins, she is on trial for a possible feature race target at next month's Grafton carnival. Following two solid wins over 1000m and 1200m on her home track at Casino, trainer Ethan Ensby feels to time is right to test Rainbow Lass over a longer distance in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1550m). 'She is going enormous at the moment,' said Ensby. 'She is obviously stepping up to the 1500m for the first time and being by Pariah, she probably isn't bred to get that far but at home, my partner rides her work and she is showing us she is that 1400m to a mile type. 'She sat three-wide working up the hill at Casino over the 1200 metres last start which is like running 1300 or 1400 metres. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She does like a wet track so the Soft 7 will suit her. My only concerns are the weight, she carriers 58.5kg after Izzy's (Neale) claim, and the gate if she happens to blow the start like she has been known to do. 'If she gets out and into a good position, she should be very competitive. 'If she happens to win this race, I might aim her at the Grafton Guineas.' Ensby is looking forward to seeing Mahuika Maroi make her race debut in the Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1200m). The three-year-old has been safely beaten in both her barrier trials but Ensby said things didn't go as he'd hoped on either occasion. 'When she trialled at the Gold Coast, it was supposed to be on the B Grass but they switched to polytrack which I wasn't very happy about. 'I didn't want to trial on the poly but with the weather the way it was, she had to go around and use it as a bit of a gallop and hope for the best. 'She wasn't put under any pressure that day. 'We then went to Grafton for her next trial and she slipped coming out of the gates on the wet track and tweaked a muscle hence while it's been a while until her first start. 'She finds a really nice race start off in and although the 1200 metres will be short of her best, I think she will run a nice race with the expectation she will be better for it.' Ensby has Shez Mysterious and Gold Puma in the Maiden Handicap (1550m) but is leaning towards splitting the pair and saving the later for either Port Macquarie or Lismore during the week. Shez Mysterious failed on her home track on May 30 but Ensby feels it is worth forgetting that run and judge her on her first two starts. The daughter of So You Think debuted with a fourth to Rainbow Lass on a Heavy 10 at Casino before coming from a conspicuous last when beaten just over a length in fourth place at Inverell on May 23. 'I think the heavy track and the quick back-up went against her last start. She just didn't handle it,' he said. 'I think it would pay to forgive her for that. 'I've given her a bit of time since then and the beauty of training at the farm is it allows me to put her out during the day. 'He first-up run at Casino was encouraging then second-up, she stood like a deer in the headlights in the barrier at Inverell and came out a clear last. 'She really closed of strongly though. 'I give her a really good chance with Ben Looker on board from barrier 1.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 6 No. 1: SAXINOUE Unbeaten second-up and steps up to a suitable trip. NEXT BEST Race 8 No. 11: LUCKY NEKO Led all-the-way last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 4 No. 7: FEATHERTOP Handy effort after a wide run last start. Looking for the extra trip. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 5 Race 6: 1, 5 Race 7: 1, 3, 5 Race 8: 2, 11 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Hard to go past JETT NEWMAN in the TAB Jockey Challenge with her strong book of rides. INSIDE MAIL – MURWILLUMBAH RACE 1: MURWILLUMBAH CUP AUGUST 22 COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP 1200m HERALD ANGEL (2) settled midfield and worked home nicely between horses to finish a neck second behind the tough Diva's Reign on debut at Grafton. Will take benefit from the experience. GAVIN (3) finished a couple of close placings along with two fourths last campaign. MAHUIKA MAROI (4) is a first starter by Redwood. Wasn't pushed when third to Olivershare on an unsuitable synthetic track in her Gold Coast trial. Bred to get over further. Bet: Herald Angel to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: RACING MATES COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1010m NO RAGRETS (5) broke through with a big win from Barron at Ballina last start. Led and kicked away to win by nearly four lengths. Will take plenty of confidence out of that. ODETTE'S ORCHID (6) likes to lead or be right up on speed. Forced to settled near midfield when last on a Heavy 10 at Ballina first-up. Will be fitter for the run, appreciate a firmer track and can bounce back. HUMPHREE BEAR (2) missed the kick and was well back throughout first-up. Chance on Grafton win from Rainbow Lass. Bet: No Ragrets to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: TOPLINE THOROUGHBREDS MAIDEN PLATE 1010m SIGLO DE ORO (1) raced outside the leader and boxed on well for a two length fourth behind Make A Call when resuming over 1110m at Doomben. Back to 1010m and was beaten a nose at his only run at this trip. DARE TO LOVE (5) finished a half-length in front of Siglo De Oro when third in that Doomben race. Buffeted at start and worked early when seventh at Doomben last start. Will find this easier. MISS LINNY (7) will be better over further but can run well first-up. Bet: Siglo De Oro to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: TOOHEYS GRAFTON CUP PREVIEW BM 82 HANDICAP 2020m FEATHERTOP (7) ran handy races in his first two runs back at Doomben. Raced three-wide midfield when a two length seventh to Fiorsum Fred in a 1600m Highway at Scone on May 17. Up to 2000m now. Stablemate FULL OF SINCERITY (1) resumed with a good win at Ballina before a long neck third at Ipswich. Just behind the placegetters over 2200m in two runs since. Gets a 2kg claim. SHERRIFF CODY (6) jumps up to 2020m and has placed in four from six at the trip. Bet: Feathertop each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: XXXX GINGER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1550m SILENT CALL (2) had his chance when a neck second at Benalla over 1600m in February. Resumed for a new stable with a closing fifth at Doomben over 1200m. Step up in trip suits. ALMALIKAT SARAH (5) has improved with each run. Came from well back when fifth at Grafton on debut. Led when second at Beaudesert six week later then just caught by Rick For Reward at Ballina last start. CASTERLY ROCK (3) was held up on the home turn when third to Jillaroo at Doomben last start. Bet: Silent Call to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: BRIMS CONCRETE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1550m SAXINOUE (1) settled well back before closing off nicely despite finishing seventh when resuming over 1200m at Grafton. Jumps up to 1550m. He is unbeaten second-up including a win here on his home track. ALL ABOUT ARTIE (5) has had a long campaign which started with a win at Ipswich in January and he continues to race well. Was a three-quarter length third at Warwick two starts back before a half-length second to Monastery at Ballina. BETTER YET (4) drop sin grade from his win and fourth at Ipswich at his past two starts. Bet: Saxinoue to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: RIVERVIEW HOTEL BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1550m INSINUATE (3) recorded her maiden win over this track and distance in February. After a couple of unplaced Eagle Farm runs, dropped back to country grade with a big win at Casino followed by a third last start both over 1400m. RAINBOW LASS (5) was just pipped at Ballina before winning her next two starts nicely at Casino over 1000m and 1200m. Up to 1550m for the first time which is a query but her dam won up to 1600m so worth a try. CAPITAL BOSS (1) has claims on his Gold Coast two starts back. Bet: Insinuate to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200m LUCKY NEKO (11) was caught three-wide without cover when fifth to Ultimate Say at Grafton first-up. Jumped straight to the front and scored by over a length from Rock The Machine over 1400m at Casino last start. Drops back to 1200m but drawn well and gets a 2kg claim again. FLAME TREE STAR (3) resumes here and has placed in both first-up runs. Was beaten a short half head by Neil over 1100m fresh up last time in. SUPERZOOM (6) had a tough run at Warwick last start and has been freshened. Is a winner this track and distance. Bet: Lucky Neko to win
