The Winning Moves @ Royal Randwick

Published: 25 Apr 2015

A big ANZAC cheer - Darci Magic's connections were happy with the win!

A tough track, bias to horses off the rails and rail out 12 metres looked like a recipe for hard-luck stories and upsets at Royal Randwick.

But in the end, the best horses prevailed in most of the seven races.

So what did you have to do to come out on top today?

Race 1 - "Best Horse Wins"

Godolphin's youngster PAINTED FIRETAIL ($3.50) drifted on the market, which might have been the bias and tempo analysts betting on a possible leader bias (she settles back and runs on).

In the end, James McDonald got the talented daughter of Lonhro to the best ground and she did the rest.

A good look at her trials showed she was a big talent.

Race 2 - "Best Horse Wins"

In the small field there was a chance of a steady tempo, but MANHATTAN ISLAND rolled along and got the four contenders rolling along at an honest speed.

TREE OF JESSE ($2.90) swept past them with 54kg for a big win, she was simply too good.

Knowing she is small and tough type would have given you confidence on the Heavy track.

Race 3 - "Best Horse Wins"

Wow! On weights and measures MAJOR MAJOR ($8.50) was well placed and trainer Bryce Heys did a great job to get him fit enough for 2,400 metres so early in his preparation.

We just had to trust the young trainer to have him cherry ripe on the day. Carrying 5.5kg less than the second-placed horse was way too much of an advantage.

Race 4 - "Best Horse Wins"

A simple race to analyse.

An honest tempo brought the class to the top, with SWIFT LADY ($2.70) enjoying a 7kg weight advantage to stride past a gallant SADLER'S LAKE. 

Her run last week was no fluke! 

Race 5 - "Playing for Value"

The early favourite RELIGIFY went for a bath in the market, before missing the start and getting ridden up the inside (worst ground). 

The winner QUARTZITE ($31) was impressive though after having no luck at Albury.

Taking heed of the market drift on RELIGIFY makes him look good odds at 30/1!

Race 6 - "Playing the Conditions"

The mudlark DOWDSTOWN CHARLIE ($4.80) is dour, very dour! He needs a STRONG TEMPO and a wet track to win.

The play here was guessing that the leader LAOHU would roll along with aggressive rider Serg Lisnyy in the saddle, setting things up for the winner. 

Race 7 - "Playing the Conditions"

Once again a leaner type that enjoys wet tracks swept down the outside. DARCI MAGIC ($4) looked to be the type most suited by the very tough conditions at this stage of the day.

The money came and it was right on the mark.

Magic finish - Darci Magic was well-backed and got the prize, just before the storm!