Get out your dartboards, people! This week’s Highway at Royal Randwick is as open as they come!
Of the 15 runners that will line up in the 1200m Class Three Highway Handicap, at least several can win.
This, of course, means there is value around, and that is what Thunderbet’s Andrew Price has looked for with this week’s selections.
The rail is out 5m the entire circuit, and come Saturday, we should have a good Randwick track.
From a map point of view, there’s no reason why every horse won’t get its chance.
Pure Fuego ($16) from the Cameron Crockett yard is a very interesting running and one that is definitely over the odds at $16.
This gelding is going to map to get a good run from gate 9, probably a shade worse than midfield, and of course, has the one and only James McDonald to steer.
It has been a long time since winning; however, the last prep was better than what it looks on paper.
All four starts were in good-grade highways or metro races.
This time in the first up run behind Boom Boom Basil at Dubbo (BM74) was very good, where he hit the line strongly.
With some natural improvement off that run, I think the 1200m second-up looks perfect.
I concede it is a VERY open race, but Pure Fuego is in this up to his eyeballs, and the $16 on offer is the bet in this race for mine.
Zaru ($8) got the job done last start, and while he’s a bit of a non-winner, he’s simply flying this time in.
There is no reason why he can’t go back-to-back. He’ll carry 59kg with Zac Lloyd’s claim and, from gate 7, should have a nice run in transit. There are the usual knocks with him’ like he’s one from 14 at the trip (note run second eight times).
Still, he’s arguably going as good as he’s ever gone, has the quality to win this, and taking $8-plus about a horse in great form is a good betting play.
I was keen on Melody Again ($4.50) first up and thought it should have won (Zaru got the bob in).
She is one start for one win second up, and with some more fitness on her side is going to be very hard to beat in this line-up.
As with most of the runners this week, there is a query, and that is the gate.
She will probably jump from 14, and as we know, barriers lose races.
If Mitch Bell can land in a spot with cover, she’ll be looking like the winner at the pointy end.
The $4.50 is short enough in a race like this, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the price drift prior to the jump.
The’ Each Way’ play this week is Miss Thatcher ($26).
If there is any bias for front runners, it is going to suit this filly.
Jay Ford will need a touch of luck from the alley, but she’s a filly with some ability, and the 54kg will help.
The big tick this week is the trip. I think coming back to the 1200m is her go, and an each-way play at the $26 is a great bet.
Price’s hoof note: This is the most open Highway I’ve seen for some time. Salire, Tags, Wizard of Oz, Iron Will, and Take the Kitty are all realistic chances.
From a wagering point of view, it’s not a race I would want to get too involved in, particularly if you like one at a shorter price.
Thunderbet’s Selections
Each Way Play: Miss Thatcher $26
