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ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 2 # 11 – Circle Of Fire
Expecting him to improve sharply, and he's set to peak third-up over a more suitable trip. The import was solid first-up in his Australian debut at Flemington, and then his effort second-up at Rosehill was full of merit. He was well-fancied late in the trade, had the pace/bias against and made up significant ground in a high-rating last section. Further, he clocked one of the meeting's fastest final 200m splits and all key indicators suggest he can only step off that performance. He drops 7.5kg, has a likeable profile, and this looks like a target race.
ROYAL RANDWICK – BEST BET: Race 4 # 12 – Good Banter
Like her, and she's had factors against all preparation. The filly was posted three-wide throughout last start in the Kembla Grange Classic (1600m), pushed wider on the turn, but to her credit, she knuckled down late to run the fastest final 200m split of the race. Further, that form reference has been proven with multiple subsequent placegetters, including Tutta La Vita, who ran second in last week's Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes. Everything points towards a peak performance with the three-year-old on an upward ratings spiral, and she'll relish the rise in trip with the heavy ground being ideal.
ROYAL RANDWICK – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 9 # 14 – Zardozi
She follows a similar pattern that has been successful for her in the past, and she sets up well for this assignment. The Godolphin galloper wasn't suited to the race shape last start in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes, and Punter's Intelligence recorded her sectional merit. The filly ran the meeting's sixth-quickest final 600m in 33.36 before peaking on her run late. She is now at optimal fitness, and last campaign, she won twice when on a quick backup and rising in trip. Additionally, she revels in testing conditions and is proven at the trip.
DUBBO (SUNDAY) – COUNTRY PICK: Race 2 # 2 – Orcym Busby
Like him, and he's ready to win after having excuses last start at Orange. The gelding was caught out on a limb early, always faced the breeze, and to his credit, he never shirked his task to the line to finish third. The gap to fourth confirmed the quality. His sectional profile suggests he's ready to peak, is at optimal fitness, and maps to have a much more economical run in transit.
