The following is a survey of Australian racing tips for Saturday, April 6. The focus is on Randwick, which features the Australian Derby (Race 7), TJ Smith (Race 8) and Doncaster Mile (Race 9). Selected races at Ascot, Caulfield and Morphettville are also covered.
More tips and previews will be added as they become available.
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Best bets of the day
Randwick Race 1, No. 8 Athiri and a smaller bet on No. 1 Bivouac
Randwick Race 5, No 14 Shraaoh and No. 19 Supernova
Ascot
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Lay – #1 Jericho Missile
Caulfield
Race 4, No. 1 Mr Quickie – 4.5 stars
Race 7: Back Ashlor (7.00) to win.
Morphettville
Race 8, No. 9 East Indiaman – 4.5 stars
Randwick
Betfair – Insider Racing Preview:
Race 4:
BACK – Westlink for 1 Unit $20 or higher
Race 6:
BACK – Castelvecchio for 1 Unit
BACK – Probabeel for 1 Unit
Race 8:
BACK – Trapeze Artist for 2 Units
BACK – Pierata for 1 Units
Betfair – TRB Race Assessments:
Race 7:
BACK – ARROGANT – Bet to WIN (stake 1% of your total bank.)
BACK – CHAPADA – Bet to WIN (stake 0.9% of your total bank.)
Palmerbet – Horse Racing Tips & Preview:
Race 7:
1. ANGEL OF TRUTH, 2. Frankely Awesome, 3. Madison County, 4. Arrogant
Race 9:
1. FUNDAMENTALIST, 2. Hartnell, 3. Unforgotten, 4. Aloisia
Unibet – From the Trader’s Desk:
Race 1 #8 Athiri – LAY BET – bet against this horse with Betfair
Race 4 #1 Noble Boy – BEST BET
Race 6 #14 Crystal Falls – VALUE BET
Race 9 #15 Fifty Stars
Race 3, No.4 Clementina – each-way – 3.5 stars
Race 4, No. 1 Noble Boy – BEST BET – 5 stars
Race 5, No.14 Shraaoh – 4.5 stars
Race 7, No. 8 Global Exchange – 4 stars
Roughie: The Chosen One ($20/5.50)
Exotic: Trifecta 4,8,12 – 4,5,8,9,11,12,14,18 – 4,5,8,9,11,12,14,18
Race 8, No. 7 Osborne Bulls – 4 stars
Saver: Redzel ($8.00)
Exotic: Boxed Exacta – 1,2,3,4,7
Race 9, No. 18 Fundamentalist – 3.5 stars
Best Value: I Am Serious ($34/$9.00)
Exotic: Boxd Exacta 1,3,13,15,16,17,18
Betfair – Feature Race Reports:
Race 1:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #8 Athiri; #1 Bivouac
Race 3:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #1 Princess Jenni
Race 5:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Lay – #19 Supernova
Race 6:
Betting Confidence: Medium
Back – #11 Probabeel
Race 7:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #2 Madison County; #8 Global Exchange; #5 Chapada
Race 8:
Betting Confidence: High
Back – #4 Pierata
Race 9:
Betting Confidence: Low
Back – #15 Fifty Stars; #6 Dixie Blossoms; #20 Brutal
Race 6:
Back Microphone (5.50) and Kiamichi (8.50) to win.
If investing 10 units have 8 units on Microphone and 2 units on Kiamichi.
Race 7:
Back Arrogant (5.50) to win.
Race 9:
My Tips
1. Fifty Stars
2. Hartnell
3. Brutal
Suggested Bet: Back Fifty Stars (8.00) to win.
Race 1: Athiri and Biovac
Race 3: Zalatte
Race 5: Supernova
Race 6: Loving Gaby
Race 7: Madison County (each-way)
Race 8: Santa Ana Lane
Race 9: Brutal and Fundamentalist
Unibet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
ATHIRI (8) Kept finding the line when 3rd last run at Rosehill and has a positive draw. James Mcdonald and James Cummings rate highly together. Should go well. BIVOUAC (1) Handy enough when winning two runs back at Warwick Farm. Suited here. EVENING SLIPPERS (9) Having second run back from a spell. Won narrowly last run at Warwick Farm but rising in grade. Must come into consideration. STRONGER (2) Fought on gamely when winning two runs back at Kensington. Chance here.
Selections: 8 Athiri, 1 Bivouac, 9 Evening Slippers, 2 Stronger
Race 3:
AMANGIRI (6) Won by a huge margin last time at Hawkesbury but racing in stronger company today. Jockey Tommy Berry and trainer Michael Hawkes Wayne Hawkes John Hawkes are usually competitive when they team up. Look for a bold run. PRINCESS JENNI (1) Fought on gamely when winning last time at Moonee Valley and will be trying to topple them late. Going well this preparation. Has claims. ZALATTE (3) Third up. Brave effort to win three runs back at this venue and looks well placed in this grade. Among the chances. ROMANI GIRL (10) Made considerable ground when 3rd two runs back at Kensington. Been in the money 2 from 3 attempts this preparation. Could run into the placings.
Selections: 6 Amangiri, 1 Princess Jenni, 3 Zalatte, 10 Romani Girl
Race 5:
SUPERNOVA (19) Showed promise when winning last run at Rosehill and third up from a spell. Michael Hawkes Wayne Hawkes John Hawkes stable is having a great run of late. Good chance in this event. SHRAAOH (14) Ran on strongly when 3rd last run at Rosehill and gets a favourable draw. Suited here. SEMARI (15) Won narrowly last time at Rosehill but faces a rise in trip. Very tidy this campaign winning 3 from 4 attempts. Looks a value runner. GALLIC CHIEFTAIN (11) Proven record third up with 3 wins from 6 starts. Improved when 5th last start at Yarra Valley and has minimal work to do from the barrier. Could place.
Selections: 19 Supernova, 14 Shraaoh, 15 Semari, 11 Gallic Chieftain
Race 6:
CASTELVECCHIO (1) Strong to the line last start and should appreciate the step up in trip. Rates on top. MICROPHONE (2) Good effort in the Golden Slipper and likely to go well again. Well in this. BELLEVUE HILL (5) Racing on a quick back. Will be sent straight to the front and should give them something to chase down. LOVING GABY (12) Can find a nice position from the soft draw. Keep safe.
Selections: 1 Castlevecchio, 2 Microphone, 5 Bellevue Hill, 12 Loving Gaby
Race 7:
CHAPADA (5) Ran on well in the Rosehill Guineas and the 2400m should suit. The one to beat. ARROGANT (4) Pushed The Autumn Sun the whole way last time out. Will be competitive again. GLOBAL EXCHANGE (8) Going through its grades nicely this prep. Can continue its good form here. STARS OF CARRUM (9) Good effort in the Mornington Cup when racing in open age company. Looks a nice each way bet.
Selections: 5 Chapada, 4 Arrogant, 8 Global Exchange, 9 Stars of Carrum
Race 8:
TRAPEZE ARTIST (2) Superstar sprinter who won this race last year. Looks set to go back-to-back. OSBORNE BULLS (7) Gets back and flashes home late with a strong turn of foot. Can get its maiden Group 1 victory here. SANTA ANA LANE (3) Classy gelding who was good in the Newmarket Handicap. Capable of winning this. PIERATA (4) Huge run in the Galaxy when beaten a nose. Looks poised to have an impact again today.
Selections: 2 Trapeze Artist, 7 Osborne Bulls, 3 Santa Ana Lane, 4 Pierata
Race 9:
ALIZEE (3) Champion 4yo mare who is searching for another Group 1 victory. Every chance of getting it here. FIFTY STARS (15) Racing well of late and is unbeaten on a heavy track. Can make it three in a row today. BRUTAL (20) Much improved effort last start when only beaten 3.5L behind Winx. Genuine lightweight hope. HARTNELL (1) Veteran warhorse who always gives his all. You couldn’t begrudge him winning this.
Selections: 3 Alizee, 15 Fifty Stars, 20 Brutal, 1 Hartnell
Sportsbet – Race Comments and Selections:
Race 1:
Doncaster day means nine Group races and the Country Champs Final. A big afternoon I’m sure you’ll agree. Conditions were ranked at Soft 7 as of Wednesday morning and the track is likely to get some rain on Thursday as well. So, can’t see us improving too much. Somewhere in that Soft range by time we get to Saturday afternoon. We start with a 2YO sprint contest and the quality of ATHIRI should shine through strongly. She has been close-up in the Blue Diamond and then close-up behind the Slipper winner. I just don’t want to overthink this. Short but sweet I would think.
Selections: 8. Athiri, 1. Bivouac, 9. Evening Slippers, 2. Stronger
Race 3:
Look for 11 and 13 to lead out in this one for the Oaks hopefuls. MARACAIBO could present at some value in the race and I think she’s absolutely on the right trajectory in her campaign. Last prep she ran 4th in the Oaks off the back of two low grade wins out of town so I think it’s fair to say, after an Adelaide win that had real merit, she looks to be going better than ever. Baster puts her in a lovely trailing spot as well. CLEMENTINA had a hard luck tale to tell from the NZ Oaks and I won’t let her under my guard here either.
Selections: 5. Maracaibo, 4. Clementina, 1. Princess Jenni, 3. Zalatte
Race 5:
2 and 3 the most likely leaders. SUPERNOVA jumps off the page as lightest raced and nobody could argue he doesn’t still have upside. A BM78 win means he has to rise to another level of course but I’m firmly of the opinion that he will. Has won at 2400m o/s and placed at 2800m, so this trip looks perfect at this stage of his game. Add in the fact that Angel of Truth ran 5th behind him last start before coming out to win last week’s Tulloch. GOATHLAND (racing well this prep) and GALLIC CHIEFTAIN (ready for the longer journey) rate next best.
Selections: 19. Supernova, 16. Goathland, 11. Gallic Chieftain, 5. Sir Charles Road
Race 6:
Pace from Slipper winner KIAMICHI, this time jumping and running from the inside gate. The Gai/Bott pair – 5 and 7 – very likely to be up there as well. LOVING GABY has run so well in defeat in the two G1s so far, without luck on both occasions. Reckon she can trail nicely here. CASTELVECCHIO comes to this 5 weeks between runs but that was the plan after his Skyline run. A recent trial saw him do what he does – settle well back and finish off with gusto. He’ll settle down in the back few, and tempo may or may not be his friend, but he’ll be winding up strongly at the very least. MICROPHONE beat him home in the Skyline and has held up the form since. TENLEY was so bad in the Slipper, just can’t have her on Soft 6 or worse.
Selections: 12. Loving Gaby, 2. Microphone, 1. Castelvecchio, 5. Bellevue Hill
Race 7:
11 and 4 to go forward again. 17 and 13 could be handy. I’ll have CHAPADA who was not only luckless in the Victoria Derby last spring but should have clearly finished closer at his final leadup to this. ARROGANT, through the same race, is included. MADISON COUNTY has to extend out to 2400m but I think he may have the other NZers covered on class. (Stablemate THE CHOSE ONE, super unlucky in the NZ Derby, could be a wildcard at some odds.) GLOBAL EXCHANGE has come back beautifully, knows how to win, and the longer distance seems made to order. Can’t be left out of calculations at all.
Selections: 5. Chapada, 2. Madison County, 4. Arrogant, 8. Global Exchange
Race 8:
Expect 6 and 11 to cross over together. 5 and 1 settle just in behind and TRAPEZE ARTIST could be a factor on-speed as well. OSBORNE BULLS has the opportunity to settle a touch closer than he often does, not that I think he’ll be better than midfield but a better getaway can have him tracking into the race ideally. As things stand his only unplaced run is a 1.3L defeat at G1 level and he proved himself pretty well on the wet in the Everest. He won’t run poorly here; in fact I would be staggered were he to miss top three. SUNLIGHT has obviously had those two recent clashes with BULLS and the score is 1-1. Proven to Soft 6, she’s a big danger. TRAPEZE ARTIST won this easily last year and has beaten nearly all of these at one stage or another. My first look at this race had me leaving him out of top four but that just didn’t feel right.
Selections: 7. Osborne Bulls, 11. Sunlight, 2. Trapeze Artist, 4. Pierata
Race 9:
Here’s the Doncaster, still Sydney’s best race. I suspect BRUTAL and SIEGE OF QUEBEC might cross over from their wide draws and lead this, leaving 18 and 5 to trail in behind. That could make for genuine speed early on and it’s crucial for BRUTAL that he jump away clean. His latest run is good form for this, with four of the last five winners coming through the George Ryder (and 9 of the last 15). I’m going to take a chance on DIXIE BLOSSOMS though. Rarely has she tried her hand against males but evidence would suggest she’s up to it in current form. A bit more rain won’t hurt her either. I would give FUNDAMENTALIST a big cheer if she gets up, mainly for Ben Thompson who seeks his breakthrough at this level. Chris Waller has won 6 of the last 11 Doncasters and I am a bit tempted by UNFORGOTTEN coming back from the Ranvet. She was a little lacklustre at the finish of that though and the likelihood of Soft going here means I just can’t have her near the top of the tips. On Good ground she would be.
Selections: 6. Dixie Blossoms, 18. Fundamentalist, 3. Alizee, 20. Brutal
Race 1:
1. Athiri
2. Bivouac
3. Evening Slippers
Race 3:
1. Zalatte
2. Amangiri
3. Princess Jenni
Race 5:
1. Supernova
2. Shraaoh
3. Sir Charles Road
Race 6:
1. Loving Gaby
2. Kiamichi
3. Microphone
Race 7:
1. Madison County
2. Chapada
3. Arrogant
Race 8:
1. Santa Ana Lane
2. Trapeze Artist
3. Pierata
Race 9:
1. Brutal
2. Fundamentalist
3. Fifty Stars
Race 1:
ATHIRI (8) continued her good run of form last start when finishing a close third behind Kiamichi in the Magic Night Stakes. Feel she will be better suited back on top of the ground and with McDonald sticking aboard, she should prove hard to beat. BIVOUAC (1) missed the Slipper as an emergency and appears well placed back in this grade. Run in the Todman was good enough to see him in the finish here. EVENING SLIPPERS (9) won well fresh and can improve sharply racing second up, while ALL CYLINDERS (3) remains under strong notice.
Race 3:
ZALATTE (3) failed to live up to market expectations in the Phar Lap Stakes last start, however she clearly didn’t run her race there and a return to her best form sees her very hard to beat. JMac takes over and she is sure to relish the step up in trip. Hard to beat. AMANGIRI (6) has been very impressive at her last two starts and is clearly a filly heading the right way. No favours with the draw, but should spear across and prove hard to get passed. PRINCESS JENNI (1) won well at the Valley last start and she too is on an upward spiral. Has to be kept safe. ROMANI GIRL (10) the best of the rest.
Race 5:
SUPERNOVA (19) steps up sharply in grade, but is clearly a galloper heading the right way following his dominant display at Rosehill last start over 1900m. Drawn to receive all the favours and while he has to raise the bar, he appears more than capable. Hard to beat. SHRAAOH (14) didn’t handle the heavy track last start as he is clearly better than that. A firmer track has to enhance his chances. SIR CHARLES ROAD (5) rates well on best form and has to be respected with Shinn back aboard. GOATHLAND (16) continues to race well, next best.
Race 6:
LOVING GABY (12) has done an amazing job in four starts and confident she is clearly the best horse in this race. Had no luck in the Slipper and still stuck on well to run fourth and gives the impression she will relish the step up in trip. Should appreciate the firmer track and with JMac booked, she should prove very hard to beat. KIAMICHI (10) was simply too good in the Slipper last start, running time from the front. Maybe a question mark onto a firmer surface, but how do you knock her. She is sure to run well again. Stablemate MICROPHONE (2) proved game in defeat behind her last start and remains under strong notice, while BELLEVUE HILL (5) has to be respected on the quick back up.
Race 7:
MADISON COUNTY (2) was arguably the run of the day last weekend in the Tulloch recording the fastest L800m and L600m of the day, while recording the 4th fastest L200m. On trial at the trip, but is clearly in the right stable and sets up well on the quick back up. Hard to beat. CHAPADA (5) was the run of the race in the Rosehill Guineas and gives every impression he will relish the step up in trip. Oliver sticks and he looms as a major threat. Stablemate ARROGANT (4) did a great job behind The Autumn Sun last start and obviously has to be respected off the back of that. FRANKELY AWESOME (18) a big watch taking on the boys.
Race 8:
SANTA ANA LANE (3) was enormous first up with the big weight (58.5kg) in the Newmarket and is expected to improve sharply racing second up. Recent trial behind Vega Magic was very good and no question at his best, he is arguably the best sprinter in the land. Drawn to get to the middle and should prove hard to hold out. TRAPEZE ARTIST (2) bounced back in a big way last start when far too good leading throughout in the Canterbury Stakes. Ran them into the ground there and a high pressure 1200m plays right into his hands. Major threat. PIERATA (4) was very game in defeat last start in the Galaxy and now appears set to peak racing third up. Big chance. OSBORNE BULLS (7) continues to improve and appears the next in line.
Race 9:
BRUTAL (20) took a good step forward in the George Ryder Stakes last start when game in defeat behind Winx. Returned a new career peak and gets every chance down in the weights. 3YOs have dominated the Doncaster and from the wide draw he should press forward and be in this for a long way. Fellow 3YO FUNDAMENTALIST (18) has been in rare form this time in and she too appears very well placed down in the weights. Drawn to get the run of the race and looms as a major threat. FIFTY STARS (15) brings the right form, though not sure a drying track plays into his hands. Nonetheless he rates right there. HARTNELL (1) is a champion and can win despite the big weight.
Race 1:
8. Athiri (5 stars)
2. Stronger (3 stars)
1. Bivouac (3 stars)
3. All Cylinders (3 stars)
Race 3:
9. Rocknavar (3 stars)
3. Zalatte (3 stars)
17. Rock Dove (3 stars)
1. Princess Jenni (3 stars)
Race 5:
15. Semari (3 stars)
4. Self Sense (3 stars)
10. Etymology (3 stars)
19. Supernova (3 stars)
Race 6:
10. Kiamichi (5 stars)
2. Microphone (3 stars)
1. Castelvecchio (3 stars)
11. Probabeel (3 stars)
Race 7:
1. Extra Brut (3 stars)
2. Madison County (3 stars)
8. Global Exchange (3 stars)
13. Cossetot (3 stars)
Race 8:
11. Sunlight (3 stars)
1. Redzel (3 stars)
7. Osborne Bulls (3 stars)
2. Trapeze Artist (3 stars)
Race 9:
3. Alizee (3 stars)
1. Hartnell (3 stars)
2. Le Romain (3 stars)
5. Dreamforce (3 stars)
Race 1:
ATHIRI (8) Kept finding the line when 3rd last run at Rosehill and has a positive draw. James Mcdonald and James Cummings rate highly together. Should go well. BIVOUAC (1) Handy enough when winning two runs back at Warwick Farm. Suited here. EVENING SLIPPERS (9) Having second run back from a spell. Won narrowly last run at Warwick Farm but rising in grade. Must come into consideration. STRONGER (2) Fought on gamely when winning two runs back at Kensington. Chance here.
Race 3:
AMANGIRI (6) Won by a huge margin last time at Hawkesbury but racing in stronger company today. Jockey Tommy Berry and trainer Michael Hawkes Wayne Hawkes John Hawkes are usually competitive when they team up. Look for a bold run. PRINCESS JENNI (1) Fought on gamely when winning last time at Moonee Valley and will be trying to topple them late. Going well this preparation. Has claims. ZALATTE (3) Third up. Brave effort to win three runs back at this venue and looks well placed in this grade. Among the chances. ROMANI GIRL (10) Made considerable ground when 3rd two runs back at Kensington. Been in the money 2 from 3 attempts this preparation. Could run into the placings.
Race 5:
SUPERNOVA (19) Showed promise when winning last run at Rosehill and third up from a spell. Michael Hawkes Wayne Hawkes John Hawkes stable is having a great run of late. Good chance in this event. SHRAAOH (14) Ran on strongly when 3rd last run at Rosehill and gets a favourable draw. Suited here. SEMARI (15) Won narrowly last time at Rosehill but faces a rise in trip. Very tidy this campaign winning 3 from 4 attempts. Looks a value runner. GALLIC CHIEFTAIN (11) Proven record third up with 3 wins from 6 starts. Improved when 5th last start at Yarra Valley and has minimal work to do from the barrier. Could place.
Race 6:
CASTELVECCHIO (1) Strong to the line last start and should appreciate the step up in trip. Rates on top. MICROPHONE (2) Good effort in the Golden Slipper and likely to go well again. Right in this. BELLEVUE HILL (5) Racing on a quick back. Will be sent straight to the front and should give them something to chase down. LOVING GABY (12) Can find a nice position from the soft draw. Keep safe.
Race 7:
CHAPADA (5) Ran on well in the Rosehill Guineas and the 2400m should suit. The one to beat. ARROGANT (4) Pushed The Autumn Sun the whole way last time out. Will be competitive again. GLOBAL EXCHANGE (8) Going through its grades nicely this prep. Can continue its good form here. STARS OF CARRUM (9) Good effort in the Mornington Cup when racing in open age company. Looks a nice each way bet.
Race 8:
TRAPEZE ARTIST (2) Superstar sprinter who won this race last year. Looks set to go back-to-back. OSBORNE BULLS (7) Gets back and flashes home late with a strong turn of foot. Can get its maiden Group 1 victory here. SANTA ANA LANE (3) Classy gelding who was good in the Newmarket Handicap. Capable of winning this. PIERATA (4) Huge run in the Galaxy when beaten a nose. Looks poised to have an impact again today.
Race 9:
ALIZEE (3) Champion 4yo mare who is searching for another Group 1 victory. Every chance of getting it here. FIFTY STARS (15) Racing well of late and is unbeaten on a heavy track. Can make it three in a row today. BRUTAL (20) Much improved effort last start when only beaten 3.5L behind Winx. Genuine lightweight hope. HARTNELL (1) Veteran warhorse who always gives his all. You couldn’t begrudge him winning this.