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Randwick-Kensington will host Wednesday’s metropolitan program in Sydney this week, and eight races are on the card.
For more racing and sports previews, visit the Ladbrokes Blog.
With Sydney Autumn Carnival in full flight, there's plenty of talent engaged at the midweeks and we'll get to see some high-quality gallopers in action.
I've run the rule over the program, and you can find my complete Randwick-Kensington preview and tips below.
RACE 1 - 1:45PM: Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1100m)Not a whole lot of form to study ahead of the first at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday and I am going to have something small on debutant, Imperial Force.
Imperial Force has had two public trials leading up to his debut, including a nice effort and win under James McDonald at Rosehill a couple of weeks ago.
McDonald is booked to ride and has options from the rails draw.
1 Unit Imperial Force
RACE 2 - 2:20PM: Vale Cliff Clare Plate (1300m)Miss Reilly makes her return to the races in what looks a very winnable one at Randwick-Kensington on Saturday.
The Savabeel filly turned in some fine performances during her debut prep without managing to record an elusive win, but she found competitive form around some quality athletes.
She's had the benefit of a couple of trials leading up to her return and is another whose winning claims are boosted by the booking of McDonald.
2 Units Miss Reilly
RACE 3 - 2:55PM: Robrick Lodge Handicap (1100m)Pinito mustered a nice turn of foot to only just miss in a similar race here on debut and gets a great chance to go one better on Wednesday.
The Trapeze Artist filly showed some promise at the trials prior to debut and hit the line to finish second, beaten just over half a length by Hallett earlier this month.
Tom Marquand retains the ride, and natural improvement for that experience should see the filly right into the finish again.
2 Units Pinito
RACE 4 - 3:30PM: James Squire Handicap (1400m)I'm inclined to give Soldier Of Rome another chance when he steps out in the fourth at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday.
Soldier Of Rome filled the minors at his first run back this time before striking in BM68 company at Warwick Farm, in what was a perfectly timed ride by jockey Tim Clark.
He was fair without threating at Rosehill Gardens at his latest appearance, but I like that he has been freshened since that run, and Clark can take him straight to the lead this week and give them something to chase.
2 Units Soldier Of Rome
RACE 5 - 4:05PM: Yarraman Park Handicap (1550m)Gold Bullion clearly needed his first run back this time to tune-up, and this looks a very nice race for him.
Gold Bullion turned in some nice performances during his spring prep last year, beating home the likes of subsequent black type winner Sunsets at Flemington most notably, while ultimately ending his prep with a run in the Victoria Derby.
He was always going to need his first run back this time to find form, while the rise in trip this week also suits.
2 Units Gold Bullion
RACE 6 - 4:40PM: All Too Hard @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1150m)Pokerjack was a tough winner in his first run back from a break, and I thought he looked a bit of value amongst this decent field at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday.
Pokerjack has proven to be a great horse for the Tash Burleigh yard in recent seasons, picking off a couple of Highway races most notably and finding form around genuine Saturday metro talent.
He was there to be beaten at Canberra earlier this month but toughed it out to the line, and I am only expecting him to improve with that run under the belt.
1 Unit E/W Pokerjack
RACE 7 - 5:15PM: Bivouac First Yearlings Handicap (1150m)Admonish strikes a winnable race second-up from a spell.
The Astern filly won each of her first two career starts in hit-and-run missions up in Queensland last year, and while she raced well at Warwick Farm in her first run back this month, she clearly needed it as well.
James McDonald keeps the ride and with even luck, the horse can continue her rise through the grades.
2 Units Admonish
RACE 8 - 5:50PM: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1800m)City Of Lights missed a run in the Group 3 Epona Stakes last week as the race's first emergency and this is a far weaker race.
By Deep Impact and out of Vegas Showgirl, the regally bred filly has won three of six starts since debuting; striking at Canterbury in her first run back this time before finishing just over two lengths behind the winner in the Aspiration Quality last time out.
Fitter third-up and dropping in class, I think she'll take a power of beating here.
4 Units City Of Lights
