Randwick Race 8 – 15:50 AEST
OPEN GROUP 1
3200m
$2,000,000
SOFT 5
Rail out 3m
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) | Current Price |
| 1. THE TAJ MAHAL | LIAM HOWLEY | JAMES MCDONALD (8) | 56 | $34 |
| 2. SOUND | MICHAEL MORONEY | DAMIAN LANE (13) | 55.5 | $26 |
| 3. PATRICK ERIN | CHRIS WALLER | GLYN SCHOFIELD (5) | 54.5 | $35 |
| 4. RED CARDINAL | KRIS LEES | JASON COLLETT (18) | 54 | $14 |
| 5. BIG DUKE | KRIS LEES | BRENTON AVDULLA (21) | 54 | $9 |
| 6. VENGEUR MASQUE | MICHAEL MORONEY | DAMIEN OLIVER (16) | 54 | $51 |
| 7. SIR CHARLES ROAD | LANCE O'SULLIVAN & ANDREW SCOTT | ANDREW ADKINS (20) | 53 | $21 |
| 8. YOGI | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | CRAIG WILLIAMS (15) | 53 | $12 |
| 9. BRIMHAM ROCKS | CHRIS WALLER | TOMMY BERRY (14) | 53 | $34 |
| 10. DUBHE | C APPLEBY | KERRIN MCEVOY (4) | 52.5 | $3.50 |
| 11. MIDTERM | LIAM HOWLEY | JAMIE KAH (9) | 52.5 | $8.50 |
| 12. GLORY DAYS | B THURLOW | COREY BROWN (19) | 52 | $18 |
| 13. ZACADA | MURRAY BAKER & ANDREW FORSMAN | KATHY O'HARA (12) | 52 | $81 |
| 14. GALLIC CHIEFTAIN | ARCHIE ALEXANDER | GLEN BOSS (7) | 51.5 | $18 |
| 15. RONDINELLA | ROGER JAMES & ROBERT WELLWOOD | SAM CLIPPERTON (1) | 51 | $17 |
| 16. SHRAAOH | CHRIS WALLER | JAY FORD (3) | 51 | $12 |
| 17. SEMARI | TRENT BUSUTTIN & NATALIE YOUNG | TIM CLARK (6) | 51 | $34 |
| 18. TOP OF THE RANGE | MICHAEL MORONEY | MICHAEL DEE (17) | 51 | $71 |
| 19. RODRICO | BJORN BAKER | JAMES P INNES (10) | 51 | $91 |
| 20. DOUKHAN | KRIS LEES | ANDREW GIBBONS (2) | 51 | $41 |
| 21. FAIRLIGHT | KRIS LEES | - | 51 | $81 |
Odds correct as of 9am Friday 12 April
OVERVIEW
Sydney’s premier staying race – the 3200m Sydney Cup is here. It’s the Norths equivalent to the Melbourne Cup and is one of four Group races on Day 2 of the Championships. The 2019 renewal has attracted a full field of 20 plus one emergency. Champion British Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby saddles up the favourite here as he looks to take out yet another staying race.
SPEED MAP
Rondinella draws barrier 1 and is likely to hunt up the rail and lead them along at an even gallop. The Taj Mahal and Vengeur Masque are also likely to push forward but there doesn’t seem to be too much early pace here. Horses will likely bustle for positions early and the tempo will be crucial to how the race plays out. Backmarker Yogi is likely to round out the field in run.
KEY RUNNERS
- RED CARDINAL ($14.00)
Struck together two brilliant wins at Rosehill to begin his prep, including a win over Big Duke. Really impressed there and was well backed last start to unseat the hot pot Avilius but unfortunately didn’t respond when asked. Form prior to that was good, can rebound here.
- BIG DUKE ($9.00)
Has been ultra consistent so far this prep, finishing second on three out of four occasions. Will definitely get the distance as he has run admirably in a Melbourne Cup and also came within a length of winning this race 2 years ago. Has been knocking on the door this prep and looks to be a major player here.
- DUBHE ($3.50)
Another one of Charlie Appleby’s runners first up in a Group race! First run in Australia but brings some strong overseas form into this – last start in Meydan he scored a 4 length victory over 3200m against Red Galileo. That was his first run at 3200m and he absolutely ate it up. Beware the Appleby stayer!
- MIDTERM ($8.50)
Scored a really dominant win last start against the aforementioned Big Duke who is fancied here. He sat outside the leader at Rosehill that day and once he took the lead it was all over. First up run was also very good, finishing under a length away from the winner. It’s yet to be seen whether he will handle the distance but if he does he’ll go very close here.
BLUEY’S PICK
- DUBHE ($3.50)
Charlie Appleby has an unnerving knack for placing his horses well in Australia, particularly over staying distances and he brings over yet another one with untapped potential here. Maps a bit awkwardly toward the back of the field but the spacious Randwick track should give him plenty of time to get out. Was brilliant last start out at Meydan and I think that form should hold up well here.
