Image – Bradley Photos.
Saturday’s 1200m Class Two Highway Handicap at Royal Randwick is another typically open race, with bookmakers offering $5.50 the field, and several horses look to be a good chance of saluting.
The track is good, the rail is out 11m from the 1000m and 7m the remainder, and while every horse should get its chance, the fence will definitely be no disadvantage.
As always, Thunderbet‘s Andrew Price is on the case, and he’s hoping to lead punters into a win.
Iron Will ($5.50) comes here first up for Tash Burleigh. He ran a nice trial behind Pokerjack (Highway winner) on June 30, and while I’ll be keen to see him in the parade ring, he is two from two first up.
He ran some good races last prep in Highway races which were arguably stronger than this field.
With Billy Owen riding from gate 6, I expect him to take a trail right behind the speed and prove too classy for this field.
Melody Again ($8) also comes here first up off a very nice trial at Muswellbrook on July 3 for Scott Singleton.
Mitchell Bell takes the ride, and I’ll be interested to see where she lands from the inside gate.
She is a big filly, and if she goes too far back, she’ll need some luck in running, which is the query.
However, I think this filly is very talented and can hopefully hold a position midfield or thereabouts.
Her only real failure was on a bog at Hawkesbury at the end of last prep, and the good track will definitely suit her tomorrow.
The $8 on offer is good value for this nice filly.
Zaru ($9) is a gelding that doesn’t win often, but this is a race that looks suitable, and he is one for the trifectas.
He comes here a fit horse third up, benefits from the 1.5kg claim from Zac Lloyd, and from gate 4, should get an excellent run midfield.
The two runs this prep have been excellent in stronger Highways than this one.
I concede the record isn’t encouraging, but he does get his chance here.
The ‘Each Way Play’ this week is Allaboutroy ($14) for Graham Byatt.
Amy McLucas steers from gate 3, and after the 3kg claim, he gets in with just 54kg.
The second two runs back was very good behind Acapella Sun, which he then followed up with a win at Wagga.
This lightly-raced gelding has plenty of ability and definitely deserves a crack at a Highway.
Thunderbet’s Selections
Each Way Play: Allaboutroy $14
