Chris Scholtz - Early Thoughts

R&S contributor Chris Scholtz takes a look at tomorrow's Sydney racing.

SELECTIONS

Randwick Race 1 - 6 Super Effort  

Has made good progression since joining the Ryan/Alexiou yard, winning easily first-up over 1200m at Newcastle before his luckless last start placing over the same trip at this course on July 17 when he was promoted to second after a protest.

Would have gone close with the right luck in this class last time and should prove hard to beat over this extra trip on a drier track from a better barrier draw.

Randwick Race 4 - 3 Badoosh  

Badoosh ready to go

Has progressed in each of his four starts since resuming and should strip at his top for this after his last start third over this course and distance when he was held up at a vital stage on a heavy track.

Sure his stable have been waiting to get him on to a firmer racing surface and the change of rider to a revitalised Hugh Bowman is definitely the right fit for this strong gelding.

Randwick Race 6 - 11 Wairere Falls  

This fit and honest Savabeel gelding has been anchored by higher weights in recent starts and is sure to appreciate a 4kg drop from his last start over 1550m at Canterbury when he charged home late to be beaten just on a length under 60kg.

This will be his first start at Randwick and expect him to find the drying big track with James McDonald on board for the first time very much to his liking.

BLACKBOOK UPDATE from 24 July (Horses to follow at their next three starts)

• All Time Legend - Expect him to come on from his first-up placing.
• Arctic Thunder - Set for a suitable restricted event.
• Coastwatch - Wide run set him a tough task on debut.
• La Mexicana - Strong return. Will improve.
• Scantoon - Consistent performer. Ready for 1600m.
• Vianello - Good prospects with expected improvement.

Recent Blackbook winners – Chat, Kutayha, Furrion, Criminal Code, Blondeau, La Chevalee, Our Playboy, Harpo Marx, Montez, Tycoonist, Matowatakpe.

ELIGIBLE BLACKBOOK RUNNERS for 31 July

• Randwick (Sat) - Super Effort (R1), Badoosh (R4), Just Field (R9).
• Eagle Farm (Sat) - Mr Wong (R3), Scallopini (R8).
• Moonee Valley (Sat) - Hi Stranger (R3), Maserartie Bay (R7).
• Sandown (Sun) - Vibrant Glider (R7).

TRIAL WATCH HORSES for 30 July – 1 August

• Goulburn (Fri) - Kickatorp (R7).
• Randwick (Sat) - Dick Whittington (R6), Enfleurage (R9), Best Stone (R9), Outback Diva (R9), Liberty Sun (R9).
• Kembla Grange (Sun) - Circling (R3), Regulation (R3), Mia Zoi (R5), Jal Lei (R5), Bruckner (R6), Hombre (R6), Stonesthrow (R8).

TRIAL POINTERS

Outback Diva a trialler to watch

• WARWICK FARM (23 July): The Polytrack heats saw the maiden filly MIA ZOI win her 1175m heat for 2 and 3YOs by 13.5 lengths (68.55; 34.95). Hollow form behind her but the margin was impressive and she's now won two recent synthetic trials.
• RANDWICK (9 July): A strong 900m heat was won by the good mare BEST STONE (57.62; 36.93) going to the line with plenty in reserve.
• CANTERBURY (2 July): An eye-catcher in an 895m heat was the late surge by runner up CIRCLING, a Vancouver colt having his first trial.

Recent Trial Watch winners - Prince Invincible, Tocomah, Frosty Rocks, Brigantine, Laurelin, Sealion, Larkspur Run.

Chris' final observations and full audio preview of all Sydney races will be available after 9.30am Saturday on the R&S website and tweeted by @ScholtzRacing.