3 minute read

Saturday racing returns to Royal Randwick where we see a strong ten-race card with some promising types looking to book a trip north for the Queensland winter carnival.

The best of the day comes up in Race 2, the Midway Handicap with the classy Richard and Will Freedman trained Navy Blood. 

The son of Merchant Navy was spelled after finishing an unlucky fourth in the Listed Canberra Guineas last preparation. The stable has always had a big opinion of him and are adamant that he would reach greater heights as he matures.

Navy Blood resumed in this company in the heavy (9) conditions at Newcastle, when giving his rivals a galloping lesson over the (1200m), clearing out for a dominant 2.5 length victory in fast time.

On Saturday he steps out to his preferred distance of (1400m) and despite jumping 2.5kg, he should be putting this lot away from the good barrier and graduating to stronger races.

Rosehill trainer David Payne should be rewarded for his patience with his lightly raced filly Rag Queen who contests Race 1, The Two-year-old Handicap (1200m), hoping to cement a trip north for the Queensland carnival.

The daughter of D'argento won well on debut over (1100m) at Canterbury last January, before returning good final figures when coming from near last to finish an unlucky third behind Fully Lit in the Millennium over (1100m) at Randwick on February 10.

Payne is adamant that Rag Queen will get over ground so the (1200m) will be a good starting point after finishing third in a searching (1000m) barrier trial recently.

SYDNEY SPECIALS

Bet of the day: Race 2 #1 Navy Blood at $2.60
Also backing: Race 1 #2 Rag Queen at $5.00