SPRING CHAMPION STAKES 2019 PREVIEW
RANDWICK RACE 7 – 16:50 AEDT
3YO GROUP 1
2000m
$1,000,000
GOOD 4
Rail TRUE entire
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1 | 31x47 | CASTELVECCHIO | RICHARD LITT | B AVDULLA (7) | 56.5 | $4 |
| 2 | 14x31 | SHADOW HERO | MARK NEWNHAM | J PARR (2) | 56.5 | $1.75 |
| 3 | 3x114 | JUST THINKIN' | G WATERHOUSE & A BOTT | TIM CLARK (10) | 56.5 | $7 |
| 4 | 21x13 | QUICK THINKER | M B & A FORSMAN | N RAWILLER (4) | 56.5 | $6.50 |
| 5 | 91x47 | RHAEGAR | M B & A FORSMAN | J R COLLETT (9) | 56.5 | $41 |
| 6 | x4182 | DUMMY RUN | D PAYNE | M HARLEY (11) | 56.5 | $101 |
| 7 | 7x671 | SCICONIC | R & M FREEDMAN | G BOSS (5) | 56.5 | $101 |
| 8 | 33166 | SIRMAZE | J COYLE | A HYERONIMUS (8) | 56.5 | $81 |
| 9 | 0x705 | PERSAN | D PAYNE | G SCHOFIELD (3) | 56.5 | $51 |
| 10 | 6x62 | BATTENBURG | J P THOMSPON | MS R KING (1) | 56.5 | $67 |
| 11 | 7673 | RENT A ROCK | D J WILLIAMS | R DOLAN (6) | 56.5 | $126 |
OVERVIEW
Small but quality field assembled here for Randwick’s sole Group 1 of the day. The race looks to be a tale of two halves, with four runners dominating the betting and the rest of the field unfancied. Castelvecchio savaged the line first up but failed last start when pulled up with the thumps. Shadow Hero also savaged the line first up but managed to score a super impressive win last start in the Gloaming.
SPEED MAP
Just Thinkin’ should be able to lead and control this race from out in front with very little pressure from the other runners. Maybe Rent A Rock and Rhaeger are the next two. The two favourites will likely be toward the rear of the field and will need to work their way through the field.
KEY RUNNERS
- CASTELVECCHIO ($4)
Savaged the line first up despite facing a leader’s bias track and also drifting heavily on the day. Looked promising second up but unfortunately pulled up with a case of the thumps. I like his chances to rebound off the back of the last start failure here. Supremely talented horse who knows how to win the big races.
- SHADOW HERO ($1.75)
Only lightly raced thus far in his career but still sports an impressive record (5: 2-1-1). Progressed quickly through the grades last prep, going from maiden class to Group 1 in only three starts and managed to finish within 3L of the eventual winner. Hit the line well first up and then went on to score a very impressive win the following start. Looks a talented up and comer but might be a touch short at the current price.
- JUST THINKIN’ ($7)
Was only fair during his first prep but after resuming from a spell seemed to have improved drastically. To kick off this prep he scored two brilliant all the way wins over some solid horses, including the previously mentioned favourite, Shadow Hero. That runner did beat him comfortably the following start in the Gloaming but he was taken on for the lead.
BLUEY’S PICK
- JUST THINKIN’ ($7)
Two starts back beat Shadow Hero by two lengths before the tables were turned in the Gloaming and Shadow Hero was able to score a dominant victory. However, Just Thinkin’ was taken on for the lead in that race and peaked on his run. He looks to get an absolute dream run in front here and can run it to his liking which could be the key. Tim Clark is an excellent on pace rider and should give you a great run for your money here.
