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Selections and best bets from Chris Scholtz for the Randwick Kensington meeting on February 2 plus Trial Watch and Blackbook Reports.
RANDWICK KENSINGTON – February 2
RACE 1: (2) Devil's Throat
RACE 2: (11) Troach (EW)
RACE 7: (6) Eyewitness (EW)
RACE 1: 2-6-8-7
RACE 2: 11-2-8-1
RACE 3: 1-4-5-8
RACE 4: 4-5-6-1
RACE 5: 6-2-4-5
RACE 6: 1-7-4-3
RACE 7: 6-5-1-4
TRIAL WATCH REPORT
NOTED TRIAL RUNNERS
RANDWICK WEDNESDAY: Eleni (R2); Troach (R2); Karuta King (R2); Sanstoc (R3); Shadow Bridge (R7)
GOSFORD THURSDAY: Rocklily (R1); Ting Tong (R3); Linguee (R8)
RANDWICK SATURDAY: Boyfriend (R1); Tragara (R1); Kallos (R4); Through Irish Eyes (R5); Sejardan (R6); Boldinho (R6); El Padrino (R6); Xtravagant Star (R6); Calgary Stampede (R6); Converge (R8); Paulele (R8); Hilal (R8); Mana Nui (R8); Maotai (R8/R9); Ranch Hand (R8); Coastwatch (R8); Rustic Steel (R9); Soami (R9); Zambezi River (R1/R6)
CAULFIELD SATURDAY: Paulele (R5)
RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Sinba; Caribbean Stud; Sandpaper; California Surreal; Trendy Lass; Dajraan; Mars Mission; Shades Of Rose; Son Of Sangio; Amortal; Plymstock; Pomade; Silent Impact; Paternal; Chief Conductor; Pole Position; Eleven Eleven; Warmth; Broken Arrows.
TRIAL POINTERS
ROSEHILL January 31: Sharp Queensland colt MAOTAI set the time standard in the three open heats over 1030m (61.36; 34.29) with a resounding win that indicates he has improved since his Sydney visit in the spring when he fell short of the best 3YOs. Pulled his way to the front after 200m and was five clear turning for home under a big hold from Sam Clipperton. Never asked to extend over the last 200m to score by more than two lengths, the style of his work pointing to a bold showing first-up.
RANDWICK January 24: The only 2YO heat over 1050m saw the Snowden stable provide all seven runners. The winner TO HIS CREDIT (64.60; 35.31) was ridden up to get the better of the pacy ELENI, an unraced Epaulette filly with good prospects. The JJ Atkins winner CONVERGE showed the benefit of a placing in a recent Gosford trial to post an impressive win in the 1000m black type heat on the course proper (60.59; 35.27). Travelled kindly in midfield before zig zagging his way through the pack and surging to the line when clear for a sharp win by almost three lengths with most of his rivals under pressure. The fastest 743m heat win was recorded by the visiting 2YO filly XTRAVAGANT STAR. A Geelong winner on debut, she jumped and was all speed over the short course in quick time (43.55; 33.00). The spring winner CALGARY STAMPEDE was keen early in his 1050m heat when restrained behind the pace and was then given an easy time over the last 200m.
WARWICK FARM January 20: SHADOW BRIDGE was pushed along over the last 200m to record the fastest 795m open heat win (46.79; 33.44). Exceed And Excel filly ROCKLILY underlined her talent with a sharp win her open trial over 789m (47.50; 34.10) after tracking three wide from the start. Top spring colt SEJARDAN didn't have the speed to match some speedy fillies over the short 792m course, finishing an easy fourth in his first trial since his Breeders Plate/Golden Gift double. He's a typical Sebring and is certain to improve in condition with this trial behind him. Another 2YO heat over 792m won by EL PADRINO (48.09; 35.05) was the slowest of the three 2YO trials but there was quality in the way he travelled easily outside the leader, took control and had his rivals well covered over the last 200m. BOLDINHO was unlucky not to beat stablemate EL PADRINO in the Inglis Nursery at Randwick. He again impressed in his trial with the way he worked to the line late for a strong third. A 1200m heat winner to follow is THROUGH IRISH EYES (74.92; 36.06), last season's VRC St Leger winner who was having his second trial since May. It was interesting to see James McDonald test him out in the trial and am confident there is some excellent staying potential in this lightly raced 4YO. He's worth an early spec at his generous odds in early Sydney Cup markets.
ROSEHILL January 17: Suspect Epaulette filly TROACH will improve sharply on her debut effort in the spring after her strong 902m heat win (54.59; 34.86). She sat outside the leader and easily took charge turning for home with Rachel King holding her back as she was eager to go a lot quicker over the last 200m. TRAGARA is a typically strong Written Tycoon filly who produced an impressive finish from the rear to win her 902m heat (54.60; 35.29). Has been given time to good effect since her first trial in October.
WARWICK FARM December 30: Breeders Plate placegetter ZAMBEZI RIVER is open to definite improvement on his heat placing.
BLACKBOOK REPORT
Eligible Blackbook Runners – February 2
RANDWICK WEDNESDAY: Devil's Throat (R1); Easy Campese (R6); Steel Diamond (R6)
RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Overpass; Profit; Toomuchtobear; Zoukina; Vespertine; Casino Kid; Mass Destruction; Dzsenifer; Coventina Bay; Five Kingdom; El Padrino; Totally Charmed; Brookspire; Bacchanalia; Our Heidi; Born A King; Mr Cancun.
Blackbookers – Selected January 29
(Follow for next 3 starts)
ASTERO: Needs more ground. Suited midweek.
CAFFREY: Will pay his way in Queensland.
FINANCE TYCOON: Tough run. Sure to be fitter.
JE SUIS BELLE: Honest mare. Best against own sex.
SINAWANN: Classy. Set for a big autumn.
STAR OF MICHELIN: Worked home nicely first-up.
