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Randwick Racing Tips: Saturday, February 26th

Tim Geers previews every race on the card at Randwick on Chipping Norton Stakes day.

verry-elleegant-randwick

The first Group 1s of the Sydney Autumn carnival take place at Randwick this Saturday with the Chipping Norton Stakes and Surround Stakes headlining a 10-race card.

The two Group 1s come up in Race 7 and Race 8, and are supported by three Group 2s and a Group 3.

The track is set to be saturated and is currently rated a Heavy 9 with more rain on the way, while the rail is in the true position.

Tim Geers previews every race on the card with his tips and best bets below!

Best Bet: Race 10 – (4) Gravina

Best Value: Race 5 – (8) Atishu

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210256

Race 1

Tab Highway Hcp (C2) (1000m)
12:25pm (AEDT)

Race 1

Tab Highway Hcp (C2) (1000m)
12:25pm (AEDT)

1. Pretty Woman (14) J: Tyler Schiller (59.5kg) T: Matthew Dale
3.83.83.9
2. Shelby Sixtysix (11) J: William Pike (58kg) T: D A Williams
554.65
3. Giftgiver (9) J: Jackson Searle (57.5kg) T: Cody Morgan
121211.2
4. Brazen Impact (6) J: Jason Collett (57kg) T: D A Williams
9.5910.4
5. Salire (7) J: Reece Jones (57kg) T: Cameron Crockett
6. Prince Nicconi (10) J: Mathew Cahill (56kg) T: D A Williams
98.59.1
7. Taketheshot (13) J: Tom Sherry (55.5kg) T: M K Mason
887
8. Devils Triangle (8) J: Sam Clipperton (55kg) T: Matthew Dale
6.56.56.3
9. Miss Kingston (4) J: Ms Kathy O'hara (54.5kg) T: Simon Casey
181717.6
10. Brief Statement (5) J: Ms Robyn Freeman (54kg) T: Ms A Smith
11. Iconic Dame (12) J: Jean Van Overmeire (54kg) T: Jamie Stewart
191816
12. Jekyll (1) J: Ms Rachel King (54kg) T: Ms J Bowen
262620
13. Poita (3) J: Andrew Adkins (54kg) T: Colt Prosser
262632
14. Rewarding Trance (2) J: Robbie Dolan (54kg) T: R J Agnew

Highway Handicaps are hard enough let alone when they’re being run on a Heavy 10.

(1) Pretty Woman started $4.80 in a Group 2 and $5.00 at Flemington in a Listed race, now resumes as a $3.90 chance in a Highway. Always hard to know how they will handle a track his wet, especially first up, but she looked it OK in winning her recent trial. Based on her juvenile form, she is the one to beat here.

(2) Shelby Sixtysix is a non-winner but gets his chance again here. Pike gave him the best ride you could ever hope for from barrier 17 last start and I reckon he turned it up in the final 50m to go down by a nose. Has been effective on heavy ground previously so no reason he can’t be in the finish again.

Tip: (1) Pretty Woman $3.90 TAB

Betting Strategy: 0.5 units WIN Pretty Woman

210256

Race 2

Midway (Bm72) (1100m)
1:00pm (AEDT)

Race 2

Midway (Bm72) (1100m)
1:00pm (AEDT)

1. Delexo (6) J: James Innes Jnr (60.5kg) T: Ms K Buchanan
2. Invincible Kiss (4) J: Reece Jones (59.5kg) T: Wayne Seelin
161616.2
3. More Sundays (8) J: Hugh Bowman (59.5kg) T: Sam Kavanagh
4. Key Largo (10) J: James Mcdonald (58kg) T: Bryce Heys
3.22.93.45
5. Switched (12) J: Nash Rawiller (57.5kg) T: Brad Widdup
897.2
6. Dalaalaat (1) J: William Pike (57.5kg) T: Nathan Doyle
99.58.4
7. Epic Dan (5) J: Tyler Schiller (57.5kg) T: G D Hickman
101010.4
8. Esteemed Lady (2) J: Ms Rachel King (55.5kg) T: Ms G Markwell
121211.8
9. Deep Crystal (7) J: Keagan Latham (55kg) T: Matthew Smith
10108.7
10. Mayrose (3) J: Jason Collett (54.5kg) T: J G Sargent
3.73.73.45
11. Red Hot (9) J: Ms Kathy O'hara (52kg) T: Craig Carmody
212118.2
12. Magic Talent (11) J: Robbie Dolan (52kg) T: M & D Kearney
918173

(4) Key Largo is hard to trust but he really gets his chance to win again here with James McDonald a noticeable jockey booking. He’s run 2nd in three of his four starts this prep, and the outlier was two starts ago when he was luckless in a similar race to this. Wet ground no issue and JMac could be the difference.

(6) Dalaalaat represents the in-form Nathan Doyle stable with William Pike booked to ride. Has a great first up record with two wins and two placings from five starts and has run 2nd on heavy ground before. Has claims.

(10) Mayrose won first up at Canterbury, coming from last and looping the field which isn’t easy at that track. Clearly goes fine on the rain-affected ground and will measure up in this grade.

(2) Invincible Kiss is flying and shouldn’t be $16. Ran 2nd three starts ago at Warwick Farm, then had no luck at all two stats ago before atoning in this company last start. Gets 2kg more in the weights but it’s a silly price.

Tip: (4) Key Largo $3.45 BoomBet

Value: (2) Invincible Kiss $16.20 BoomBet

Betting Strategy: 1 unit WIN Key Largo, 0.5 units WIN Invincible Kiss

210256

Race 3

Furphy Sweet Embrace Stks (1200m)
1:35pm (AEDT)

Race 3

Furphy Sweet Embrace Stks (1200m)
1:35pm (AEDT)

1. Coolangatta (5) J: James Mcdonald (55.5kg) T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
2. Xtravagant Star (4) J: Chad Schofield (55.5kg) T: T & C Mcevoy
3.53.43.3
3. Lady Laguna (6) J: Hugh Bowman (55.5kg) T: Annabel Neasham
2.72.72.6
4. Fireburn (2) J: Jason Collett (55.5kg) T: G Portelli
5.555.6
5. Troach (7) J: Glyn Schofield (55.5kg) T: James Cummings
212119.2
6. Trendy Lass (9) J: Tim Clark (55.5kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
212117.8
7. Dame Cartland (10) J: William Pike (55.5kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
262620.5
8. Magic Carpet (8) J: Ms Rachel King (55.5kg) T: James Cummings
262624
9. Miss Faberge (3) J: Nash Rawiller (55.5kg) T: J G Sargent
888.6
10. She's Extreme (11) J: Joshua Parr (55.5kg) T: A J Cummings
2620.5
11. Fun Sunday (1) J: Brenton Avdulla (55.5kg) T: Brad Widdup
615163

(3) Lady Laguna won her first two starts before resuming from a 10-week let-up with a very brave effort behind Cythera. She sat wide throughout there and still hit the line very strongly late, which suggests she’ll relish getting out to 1200m for the first time here. Her only start on heavy ground was a 4L victory so with those things in mind, she goes on top.

(2) Xtravagant Star is undefeated from two starts, winning her maiden on debut at Geelong before coming to Sydney and proving far too good in the Inglis Millennium. That was on soft ground but she’s yet to race on heavy ground. Draws well and probably finds herself in front so will be the one Lady Laguna has to chase down.

(4) Fireburn has won her past two starts, including a win over Revolutionary Miss last time out. That filly then went to Melbourne and won the Blue Diamond Prelude for fillies and mares, so the form has stacked up.

(9) Miss Faberge was held up the entire straight on debut and looked to have plenty to offer.

Tip: (3) Lady Laguna $2.70 Ladbrokes

Betting Strategy: No bet

210256

Race 4

Elite Sand & Soil Skyline Stks (1200m)
2:10pm (AEDT)

Race 4

Elite Sand & Soil Skyline Stks (1200m)
2:10pm (AEDT)

1. El Padrino (9) J: Keagan Latham (55.5kg) T: C Maher & D Eustace
7.586.7
2. Calgary Stampede (17) J: Chad Schofield (55.5kg) T: P & P Snowden
181816.4
3. Sweet Ride (4) J: Jean Van Overmeire (55.5kg) T: Annabel Neasham
151513
4. Jemeldi (13) J: Jason Collett (55.5kg) T: T Button
8.588.3
5. Sandpaper (5) J: Hugh Bowman (55.5kg) T: James Cummings
888.1
6. Nobel (16) J: Regan Bayliss (55.5kg) T: Annabel Neasham
313131
7. Rise Of The Masses (1) J: Tim Clark (55.5kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
6.56.56.6
8. Fire And Ice (14) J: Tom Sherry (55.5kg) T: M S Minervini
343435
9. Man In The Mirror (3) J: William Pike (55.5kg) T: Annabel Neasham
9.51010.2
10. Promitto (8) J: Christian Reith (55.5kg) T: D I Atkins
181815.2
11. One Destiny (10) J: Ms Kathy O'hara (55.5kg) T: G R Nickson
10110197
12. Hell I Am (11) J: (55.5kg) T: John O'Shea
13. Nolan (6) J: Sam Clipperton (55.5kg) T: J A O'shea
413431
14. Great Siege (2) J: Joshua Parr (55.5kg) T: A J Cummings
313125
15. Peace Officer (12) J: Nash Rawiller (55.5kg) T: C E Conners
121212.2
16. Brosnan (15) J: Brenton Avdulla (55.5kg) T: G Ryan & S Alexiou
263121
17. Custodian (7) J: James Mcdonald (55.5kg) T: A & S Freedman
7.588.1

James McDonald would have had plenty of options here and he goes with the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained (17) Custodian, who debuts on the back of a winning trial. Happy to follow JMac’s lead.

(15) Peace Officer didn’t have any luck on debut, held up until the 100m mark. Nash sticks and the wide draw could be a blessing.

(9) Man In The Mirror gets William Pike booked to ride for Annabel Neasham. He won his debut back in December, beating Paris Dior. That’s reasonable form.

(5) Sandpaper didn’t get a whole lot of luck last start but finished well and Bowman sticks.

Tip: (17) Custodian $8.00 TopSport

Betting Strategy: No bet

210256

Race 5

Cellarbrations Liverpool Cup (1300m)
2:45pm (AEDT)

Race 5

Cellarbrations Liverpool Cup (1300m)
2:45pm (AEDT)

1. Alligator Blood (3) J: Nash Rawiller (58kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
8.5109.4
2. Ellsberg (10) J: Tim Clark (57.5kg) T: G Ryan & S Alexiou
4.24.24.25
3. Riodini (9) J: Ms Rachel King (57.5kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
151513.2
4. Aramayo (7) J: Regan Bayliss (57kg) T: C J Waller
171519.2
5. Brutality (4) J: Jay Ford (57kg) T: Joseph Pride
141515.2
6. Chat (12) J: Brock Ryan (56.5kg) T: John Thompson
181815.2
7. Order Of Command (11) J: Chad Schofield (54.5kg) T: D T O'brien
262625
8. Atishu (2) J: James Mcdonald (54kg) T: C J Waller
777.6
9. Quantico (6) J: Sam Clipperton (54kg) T: J A O'shea
43.63.55
10. Superium (1) J: William Pike (54kg) T: M, W & J Hawkes
121110
11. Blue Soldier (5) J: Tom Sherry (54kg) T: David Payne
716749
12. Poetic Charmer (8) J: Robbie Dolan (53.5kg) T: P & P Snowden
151514.6

Not often does James McDonald get down to 54kg but he does so here to ride (8) Atishu for Chris Waller. This mare won her Australian debut over 1400m first up last prep so she should be sharp enough to win over 1300m here, and she won’t be harmed by the wet track. Each way odds available.

(2) Ellsberg is a first up specialist, with three wins from as many outings. He’s only ever finished out of the money on two occasions from 14 starts and he’s effective in all conditions, so he should play a major part in the finish.

(9) Quantico won his final three starts last prep but the concern here has to be the heavy track. He’s only had two starts on rain-affected ground and failed in both.

(12) Poetic Charmer ran well down in grade last start and will be suited by the track conditions. Can run a place at double figure odds with no weight on his back.

Tip: (8) Atishu $7.50/$2.60 Bet365

Betting Strategy: 0.75 units E/W Atishu

210256

Race 6

Guy Walter Proven Tbreds Stks (1400m)
3:25pm (AEDT)

Race 6

Guy Walter Proven Tbreds Stks (1400m)
3:25pm (AEDT)

1. Shout The Bar (9) J: Chad Schofield (59kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
343133
2. Forbidden Love (2) J: Hugh Bowman (58kg) T: R & M Freedman
5.555.1
3. Vangelic (10) J: Tim Clark (56kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
101110.6
4. Nimalee (5) J: William Pike (56kg) T: Matthew Smith
191719
5. Electric Girl (3) J: Brenton Avdulla (56kg) T: M, W & J Hawkes
343426
6. Mirra Vision (6) J: Sam Clipperton (55kg) T: P & P Snowden
141411.4
7. Kiku (7) J: Nash Rawiller (55kg) T: C J Waller
9.59.510
8. Icebath (12) J: James Mcdonald (54kg) T: Brad Widdup
2.352.32.45
9. Harmony Rose (4) J: Tom Sherry (54kg) T: Mark Newnham
343126
10. More Prophets (1) J: Brock Ryan (54kg) T: John Thompson
515137
11. Promise Of Success (8) J: Jason Collett (54kg) T: J A O'shea
5.575.3
12. Lady Banff (11) J: Regan Bayliss (54kg) T: M J Dunn
818183

(8) Icebath is the short-priced favourite here with James McDonald once again getting down to 54kg to ride her, but I think this is a wide-open race and I’d be reluctant to jump in at the short quote. She does love a wet track and will find this much more suitable than the company she tackled first up, but she’s no good thing.

(2) Forbidden Love probably should have won the Expressway first up and she has a terrific record at this track and distance and on heavy ground. Drawn soft, Bowman sticks, goes close.

(3) Vangelic looks the one from the Waterhouse-Bott yard that is tuned up for this race first up. Has been trialling well and has raced on wet ground well in the past. Clark on, goes forward and will give a good sight.

(7) Kiku comes here fresh from the Gold Coast where she ran 3rd to Snapdancer in the Magic Millions fillies and mares race. Has never missed a place from five starts on rain-affected ground and she rarely runs a bad race so expect her to run well.

(9) Harmony Rose is a complete blowout to include in numbers. She’s won two from three when first up and two from three on soft ground.

(11) Promise Of Success ran well behind Snapdancer first up and has a big turn of foot when she’s at her best.

Tip: (2) Forbidden Love $6.00 Sportsbet

Value: (7) Kiku $10 TAB

Betting Strategy: No bet

210256

Race 7

Tab Chipping Norton Stks (1600m)
4:05pm (AEDT)

Race 7

Tab Chipping Norton Stks (1600m)
4:05pm (AEDT)

1. Think It Over (8) J: Nash Rawiller (59kg) T: K J Parker
4.44.64.55
2. Kolding (7) J: Regan Bayliss (59kg) T: C J Waller
616145
3. Top Ranked (9) J: Hugh Bowman (59kg) T: Annabel Neasham
10108.4
4. Mount Popa (13) J: William Pike (59kg) T: M, W & J Hawkes
414131
5. Angel Of Truth (12) J: Jay Ford (59kg) T: M, W & J Hawkes
676155
6. Stockman (11) J: Sam Clipperton (59kg) T: Joseph Pride
262626.5
7. Maximal (1) J: Brenton Avdulla (58.5kg) T: J A O'shea
515136
8. Verry Elleegant (4) J: James Mcdonald (57kg) T: C J Waller
32.93.05
9. Colette (3) J: Tim Clark (57kg) T: James Cummings
3.43.33.55
10. Montefilia (5) J: Jason Collett (57kg) T: David Payne
191818.6
11. Hungry Heart (10) J: Chad Schofield (57kg) T: C J Waller
343426
12. She's Ideel (6) J: Ms Rachel King (57kg) T: Bjorn Baker
61
13. Duais (2) J: Joshua Parr (57kg) T: Edward Cummings
676751

Click here to view our runner-by-runner preview of the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes!

210256

Race 8

Drinkwise Surround Stks (1400m)
4:45pm (AEDT)

Race 8

Drinkwise Surround Stks (1400m)
4:45pm (AEDT)

1. Yearning (2) J: William Pike (56kg) T: Michael & Wayne & John Hawkes
2. Never Been Kissed (9) J: Regan Bayliss (56kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
313422.5
3. Fangirl (16) J: Hugh Bowman (56kg) T: C J Waller
4.24.24.25
4. Four Moves Ahead (18) J: Nash Rawiller (56kg) T: J G Sargent
201919.8
5. Hinged (1) J: Brenton Avdulla (56kg) T: C J Waller
191919.2
6. Jamaea (8) J: Brock Ryan (56kg) T: R & L Price
121213.2
7. Espiona (13) J: James Mcdonald (56kg) T: C J Waller
2.152.152.05
8. Startantes (11) J: Jason Collett (56kg) T: R L Heathcote
262626.5
9. Zouzarella (17) J: Chad Schofield (56kg) T: A & S Freedman
192016
10. Heresy (6) J: Sam Clipperton (56kg) T: James Cummings
212118.4
11. Shihonka (14) J: Ms Rachel King (56kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
313131
12. Sweet Ruby (5) J: Jay Ford (56kg) T: Ms K Waugh
414147
13. Tilianam (10) J: Tim Clark (56kg) T: G Waterhouse & A Bott
10110179
14. Larkspur Run (15) J: Glyn Schofield (56kg) T: James Cummings
414143
15. Ringarosa (12) J: Keagan Latham (56kg) T: G Portelli
677161
16. Hope In Your Heart (7) J: Andrew Adkins (56kg) T: K J Parker
126101131
17. Von Trapp (3) J: Josh Parr (56kg) T: Mark Newnham
18. I'm Divine (4) J: Tom Sherry (56kg) T: Edward Cummings
101101

Waller looks to have a stranglehold on the Surround Stakes.

Leaning to (7) Espiona to atone for her defeat at the hands of Fangirl first up in the Light Fingers Stakes. She started $1.60 on that occasion and was run down late by her stablemate. Notably, that was her first go on good ground, with her two dominant victories last preparation coming on rain-affected ground. Tipping she’ll relish the conditions here and make amends.

(3) Fangirl went in underrated first up but proved she’s very good with victory in the Light Fingers taking her record to four wins from six starts. Gets a very tricky draw here but by this time of the day the outer part of the track might be the place to be. Did win on a soft 6 last prep. No surprise to see her win again.

(5) Hinged could make it a Waller trifecta. She was sound first up in the Light Fingers and she’s undefeated at this distance and also second up. She’s also had four goes on wet ground for three wins and a 2nd.

(4) Four Moves Ahead can be thrown in at huge odds. All three career wins have come on rain-affected ground.

Tip: (7) Espiona $2.20 Bet365

Betting Strategy: No bet

210256

Race 9

Petaluma Wines (Bm88) (2000m)
5:25pm (AEDT)

Race 9

Petaluma Wines (Bm88) (2000m)
5:25pm (AEDT)

1. Kiss The Bride (12) J: Nash Rawiller (60kg) T: Bjorn Baker
262620.5
2. Yiyi (15) J: Tim Clark (58.5kg) T: C J Waller
666.1
3. Chalk Stream (14) J: James Mcdonald (58kg) T: C J Waller
121313.2
4. Fun Fact (13) J: Brock Ryan (58kg) T: Bjorn Baker
343426.5
5. Le Baol (10) J: Keagan Latham (58kg) T: C Maher & D Eustace
343428.5
6. Arctic Thunder (9) J: Jason Collett (57kg) T: G Portelli
98.59.6
7. Canasta (1) J: Joshua Parr (56kg) T: Bjorn Baker
201916
8. Mr Gee (8) J: Reece Jones (56kg) T: J A O'shea
9.599.1
9. Outlandos (2) J: Hugh Bowman (56kg) T: J G Sargent
776.3
10. Easy Campese (3) J: Tyler Schiller (55.5kg) T: J G Sargent
171513.6
11. Dadoozdart (6) J: William Pike (55kg) T: M, W & J Hawkes
111110.6
12. Surefire (4) J: Sam Clipperton (55kg) T: C J Waller
212121.5
13. Through Irish Eyes (11) J: Chad Schofield (54kg) T: C Maher & D Eustace
666.5
14. King Ratel (7) J: Tom Sherry (54kg) T: Bryce Heys
343431
15. Galaxy Belle (5) J: Ms Rachel King (52kg) T: K A Lees
111211

(8) Mr Gee has won three of his past five starts after saluting at Canterbury with 61kg last start. He didn’t have any luck in his final start last preparation, and he normally needs a run to come good, so now that he’s fit I think he’s capable of winning again. Has won in these conditions previously.

(3) Chalk Stream is one of the most interesting runners of the day, making his Australian debut for Chris Waller, owned by the Queen. Has seven top-two finishes from 10 starts in the UK and JMac jumps off Yiyi to ride this horse.

(12) Surefire is another European import for Waller. The colt has three wins from five starts but has never run on wet ground.

(2) Yiyi has burnt punters all prep and now gets Tim Clark on from the wide gate. Expect it to be ridden positively.

(9) Outlandos is flying but drops from 2400m to 2000m which is a query.

Tip: (8) Mr Gee $10/$3.40 Bet365

Betting Strategy: 0.5 units E/W Mr Gee

210256

Race 10

Garvan Institute Sprint (Bm88) (1200m)
6:00pm (AEDT)

Race 10

Garvan Institute Sprint (Bm88) (1200m)
6:00pm (AEDT)

1. Inanup (4) J: Brenton Avdulla (59.5kg) T: Bjorn Baker
161513.8
2. Poetic Charmer (6) J: William Pike (59kg) T: Peter & Paul Snowden
3. The Bopper (7) J: Hugh Bowman (58.5kg) T: K A Lees
2.82.72.85
4. Gravina (12) J: Nash Rawiller (57.5kg) T: James Cummings
32.82.75
5. Maotai (10) J: Sam Clipperton (55kg) T: Kacy Fogden
6. Broken Arrows (1) J: Regan Bayliss (54kg) T: M J Dunn
171717.2
7. Soami (8) J: Ms Kathy O'hara (54kg) T: M J Dunn
344130
8. Taksu (5) J: Tyler Schiller (53.5kg) T: Joseph Pride
997.9
9. Robodira (2) J: Reece Jones (53kg) T: J A O'shea
8.587.9
10. Turnstyle (9) J: Ms Rachel King (52kg) T: Bjorn Baker
7.57.58.6
11. Mr Hussill (11) J: Brock Ryan (52kg) T: Cameron Crockett
12. Samoot (3) J: Jay Ford (52kg) T: K A Lees

(4) Gravina is my best of the day at Randwick. He proved to be a money-muncher last preparation, going down at $5.50, $1.85, $1.95 and $2.50, but the Godolphin camp have gelded him ahead of this preparation which may do the trick. He was given a quiet trial without the blinkers, but the shades go back on for raceday and the booking of Nash Rawiller is a positive. All three career wins have been on soft ground so should relish these conditions. With Maotai scratched, this looks a really good race for him.

(3) The Bopper was only run down late by Rule Of Law last start and that horse is airborne.

They look the two obvious winning chances.

Tip: (4) Gravina $3.10 TAB

Betting Strategy: 2.5 units WIN Gravina

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