Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's race-by-race tips, analysis for Royal Randwick on Saturday: $5.50 best bet
Racenet and The Daily Telegraph's Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy debate the key chances in all 10 races at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
â– â– â– â– â–
DUFF'S BEST BET
Race 8 No.3 GREEN FLY
DUFF'S NEXT BEST
Race 5 No.7 AHURIRI
â– â– â– â– â–
Ron Dufficy: SEQUISTA (3) suffered some lacerations when she played up in the float at Gosford but she's a very talented filly. The gamble is 42 days between runs and a very heavy track but I'm happy to stick with her. The obvious dangers are AGARWOOD (5) who did it well winning with authority on her debut and looks to have a future, while REGULATED AFFAIR (2) ran slower time on the same day as Agarwood but maps well from the draw, and 1200m should suit. FEDERAL RESERVE (8) comes out of a hot form race and will take great benefit from that experience.
Ray Thomas: AGARWOOD (5) impressed on debut, settling on pace then sprinting clear to win easily. The heavy track conditions are a query, as they are for all her rivals, but she handled the soft 6 track well at her only start. SEQUISTA (3) is a talented filly but she has had that break between runs as you pointed out and that race fitness edge Agarwood has might be the difference. REGULATED AFFAIR (2) shown promise in both starts including his strong last start win so he rates as the main danger to the two fillies. I AM ADONIS (9) is a well-bred colt in the right stable and is one to watch.
A very nice win to Agarwood at Warwick Farm! ðŸ'¥ @clarkyhk | @GaiWaterhouse1 | @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/FyBp2m8DAG
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 7, 2025
•
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: I'm with FIRST MISSION (9). He's a three-year-old gelding with upside who did it well winning first-up on a heavy track. He's got a lovely on-pace racing style and is up to the rise in class. FLYING EMBERS (5) was a heavy track winner over this trip last start who has nice credentials. HELLFIRE EXPRESS (1) appears big odds for a horse that will like the conditions and he should be peaking third-up now. DANISH PRINCE (10) is a tough competitor who can't be ruled out at odds.
Thomas: TRAFALGAR SQUARE (12) was backed into favouritism at Gosford and had her chance when a close third in similar grade. She's had three runs back from a spell, will be at peak fitness, gets in light after the claim and is good each way value. FLYING EMBERS (5) handles heavy tracks, won well at Kembla last start, and is an improving filly. HELLFIRE EXPRESS (1) has been improved by two runs from a spell and no knock on FIRST MISSION (9) who comes off a dominant first-up Canterbury win.
Mission success! ðŸ'�
First Mission gives @KPMcEvoy a Canterbury double! @RARacing_ | @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/HF6awJcxC8
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 30, 2025
•
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: A couple of good looking Highway types here in SHROPSHIRE LAD (4) and SO YOU PENCE (2). They are both promising young horses who can go through the classes. Slight leaning to Shropshire Lad with the back-up on a heavy track and he has soft track experience as well. Other than those two, I thought PLENITUDE (8) had nothing go right when put out of the race at Gosford last start when well tried at odds. ACHESON (5) is two from two on heavy ground and he is third-up with a claim which appeals.
Thomas: MY LAST HOORAY (1) has raced well in each of his three runs since resuming, particularly his fast finishing at Warwick Farm to finish a close in a good form race. He handles heavy tracks and is way over the odds. SO YOU PENCE (2) could not have been more impressive at Wagga Wagga last start, streaking away to win with ease. She's unknown on heavy tracks but if she handles the conditions she might be too good again. SHROPSHIRE LAD (4) has plenty of potential and can only improve off his impressive first-up Scone win. CHEMTRAIL (11) is another lightly-raced but promising sprinter coming off a very easy Goulburn win.
So You Pence makes it look effortless winning the Country Magic at Wagga! ðŸ°' @AshMorgan6 pic.twitter.com/Ef60zEwKNw
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 2, 2025
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: I'm going with the Gosford lead-up form and DUVANA (4). He's proven on heavy tracks with a big maiden win last preparation and he should be in order now after a much improved run second-up. HURSTVILLE ZAGREB (5) has a similar profile and he could easily be unbeaten coming into this race after having excuses last stat. SHE'S A DEALER (3) is in very good hands and she commands plenty of attention here. SIGIRIYA ROCK (6) has had a good grounding and is set to put his best foot forward going up a little in trip now.
Thomas: Good race with some promising young staying talent. SHE'S A DEALER (3) comes from New Zealand off two very dominant wins and is on the Queensland Oaks trail. She is obviously held in high regard and she looks a filly of considerable staying talent. SISU SPIRIT (9) handled a bottomless Wyong track to score with ease last start and he's on target to bring up a hat-trick of wins this campaign. HURSTVILLE ZAGREB (5) was first-up at Gosford and just missed but he's also showing staying potential and will be hard to beat. DUVANA (4) comes out of the same Gosford race where he was a close third and he does have wet track form.
A winning debut for Hurstville Zagreb at Goulburn! @JohnOSheaRacing pic.twitter.com/hhvsliJKPh
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 11, 2025
•
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: I'm keen on AHURIRI (7) here, Ray. She's a young, strong stayer off a good second-up heavy track win. She has won up to 2800m so the step up from 1900m to 2400m poses her no problems at all. The unknown here is the Victorian WUDDZZ (10) who is a tough wet-tracker who appears to be in career-best form. ASGOOODASSOBERGETS (18) looked like a different horse bolting in last start and if you trust him to do that again, he will be hard to beat. GALILAEUS (6) keeps grinding away in his races and is down in grade here.
Thomas: I've gone the same way with AHURIRI (7), Ronnie. There was a lot to like about the way she reeled in her rivals at Canterbury second-up in very heavy conditions, the bigger Randwick track suits and she will be even better for that run. The underrated PHILIPSBURG (5) is always over the odds, he's racing well and is very effective on wet tracks. GALILAEUS (6) is a strong staying type but he is unproven on heavy tracks. ST VINCENTS GARDENS (16) is a lightly-raced stayer, down in the weights, handles wet track, and is at each way odds.
Ah, hooray for Ahuriri! She wins the TAB Handicap second up at Canterbury with @nashhot in the saddle for @cwallerracing 🙌 @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/gEHeb93GPk
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 30, 2025
• Ponsonby's giant-killer as Group goal in mind
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: I'm trusting the wet track lead-up form from Gosford with WINNING PROPOSAL (10). She was slow out when first-up behind Lulumon for the new stable, had legitimate excuses, and should come on from that. MISS JENNIFER (13) comes out of the same race where she had no luck at all. She was terrific at big odds there and she does have wet track form. STORM THE RAMPARTS (12) gets his blinkers back on and he presents well second-up. SOUTH OF INDIA (2) is a sharp type resuming, he has very good soft track form, he's a specialist at this trip and he's won two trials.
Thomas: WINNING PROPOSAL (10) indicated a return to winning form is imminent when she closed off strongly for third at Gosford, beaten less than a length. She has shown considerable potential at various times during her career and is very effective on wet ground. GRAND LARCENY (4) is an emerging sprinter with three successive wins including his first-up effort at Caulfield. All his form is on top of the ground which is the only downside. STORM THE RAMPARTS (12) finished second, just ahead of Winning Proposal, when resuming and he's also suited by the wet track conditions. MISS JENNIFER (13) was very competitive finishing just behind Storm The Ramparts and Winning Proposal last start and she rates among the main contenders.
Lulumon finds the gap and wins at Gosford giving @AlyshaCollett her double! ✌� pic.twitter.com/ssDz9MeQ0i
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 10, 2025
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: I like ZAPHOD (8), Ray. He was great first-up going down narrowly to Les Vampires who has since franked the form. MIRACLE SPIN (12) is over the odds. He backs up from Scone where the track might have dried out a little bit too much for him on the second day. Prior to that he was building nicely to another win. QUANTUM CAT (14) was only second-up the other day, he's much fitter and is crying out for the extra distance. JAMBEROO (9) just needs things to fall into place from the draw but he is so genuine I can't leave him out.
Thomas: ZAPHOD (8) was first-up at 1800m and made Les Vampires work hard for the win at Randwick. Les Vampire then came out and won the Gosford Gold Cup next start. Zaphod is proven second-up and only needs to get through the very heavy track conditions to prove hard to beat. BEAR ON THE LOOSE (5) was a big drifter on track for the Wagga Cup and after leading for home he faded late to run fifth. He was second-up that day and will improve, particularly as all his winning form has come on soft-heavy tracks. QUANTUM CAT (14) has been scratched a couple of times since his narrow loss to Jamberoo at Hawkesbury but he looks well placed here at the weights. COLLECT YOUR CASH (6) is in great form and will be in this for a long way.
I’m so great! 😀 Zaphod gets the win at Eagle Farm for @Leesracing and @mallyon_andrew! @BrisRacingClub pic.twitter.com/VXoI5xv3yB
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: GREEN FLY (3) is a backmarker who needs a lot to go his way but if he gets that luck he will be charging over the top of this field on his preferred wet track. He will be very hard to beat. HOLLYWOOD HERO (12) did enough first-up and he usually improves with racing. COOL JAKEY (6) is so reliable but he is very short for a horse who is unproven at a mile but he is a very good wet-tracker. RAPT (13) 's run was better than it reads on paper last start as he was on the worst part of the track.
Thomas: GREEN FLY (3) showed what he can do when resuming at Rosehill when he flew home to collar COOL JAKEY (6) near the line. Green Fly then got a long way back before finishing off his race strongly when fifth over the Randwick mile course. He likes his races spaced, the course and distance suits, and he's at his best on soft-heavy going. COOL JAKEY (6) is very genuine and will give his backers a great sight again. BOLD MAC (1) showed improvement last start and is a definite chance here, while LAVISH EMPIRE (4) excels on wet tracks.
ðŸ'š Green Fly from nowhere nabs Cool Jakey right on the line to give @LaneDamian a Rosehill double! @FreedmanRacing | @OTIRacing | @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/aOe9GpWSak
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 1, 2025
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: Another Victorian, HIYAAM PROUD (7), will be hard to beat. He's off a handful of nice jump-outs and he's proven on the soft. The big danger is KING OF ROSEAU (5). He has no recent wins but I'm convinced he is going great this preparation and is looking for 1400m. THUNDERLIPS (4) has had a trial since his second-up win, all his form is on soft tracks and he's a proven weight-carrier. MARGIE'S BOY (11) has had no luck in two runs back and might be worth including at odds.
Thomas: I've gone with CRUEL SUMMER (6). He's coming off successive heavy track wins at Canterbury and Kensington, he makes his own luck on speed and is value at double figure odds. SPIONE (18) will need luck just getting into the field but if he does then he will be hard to beat. He was unlucky not to have won at Randwick last start and is an emerging sprinter. KING OF ROSEAU (5) is bursting to win a race and I concede there is a lot to like about HIYAAM PROUD (7). I just came back to a fit, effective wet-tracker in Cruel Summer at the odds.
Coasting! It's back-to-back wins for Cruel Summer under a big weight! 😎 @RachelK11 | @perry_racing1 | @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/dfOeETeFXp
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 14, 2025
•
â– â– â– â– â–
Dufficy: SHE'S UNUSUAL (10) has a distinct liking for heavy tracks and she caught the eye making up a heap of ground late first-up. She should be improved with that run. The danger is FLYING THINKER (7) who had seven weeks between runs last start and should lift off what was an acceptable effort. DRIFT NET (3) got all the favours winning second-up and she will gain confidence from that win. The map looks kind to her again. MISS KIM KAR (13) is an improving three-year-old who has been eating up the ground in her two runs back and the extra distance suits her.
Thomas: SHE'S UNUSUAL (10) flew home to just miss behind Thunderlips when resuming at Kensington. The bigger Randwick track suits She's Unusual, as does the heavy track conditions. She's ready to win. MISS KIM KAR (13) is going really well and there's a lot to like about her chances here. DRIFT NET (3) and HELLBENT ON YOU (5) are both in winning form and they have proven heavy track form.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
31 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Murwillumbah preview: Trainer Ethan Ensby is optimistic as in-form mare Rainbow Lass faces a new challenge
In-form mare Rainbow Lass isn't just chasing a hat-trick of wins, she is on trial for a possible feature race target at next month's Grafton carnival. Following two solid wins over 1000m and 1200m on her home track at Casino, trainer Ethan Ensby feels to time is right to test Rainbow Lass over a longer distance in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1550m). 'She is going enormous at the moment,' said Ensby. 'She is obviously stepping up to the 1500m for the first time and being by Pariah, she probably isn't bred to get that far but at home, my partner rides her work and she is showing us she is that 1400m to a mile type. 'She sat three-wide working up the hill at Casino over the 1200 metres last start which is like running 1300 or 1400 metres. Hare Street flies home to cause a boilover at Ballina! ðŸ'° â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 8, 2025 The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She does like a wet track so the Soft 7 will suit her. My only concerns are the weight, she carriers 58.5kg after Izzy's (Neale) claim, and the gate if she happens to blow the start like she has been known to do. 'If she gets out and into a good position, she should be very competitive. 'If she happens to win this race, I might aim her at the Grafton Guineas.' Ensby is looking forward to seeing Mahuika Maroi make her race debut in the Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1200m). The three-year-old has been safely beaten in both her barrier trials but Ensby said things didn't go as he'd hoped on either occasion. 'When she trialled at the Gold Coast, it was supposed to be on the B Grass but they switched to polytrack which I wasn't very happy about. 'I didn't want to trial on the poly but with the weather the way it was, she had to go around and use it as a bit of a gallop and hope for the best. 'She wasn't put under any pressure that day. 'We then went to Grafton for her next trial and she slipped coming out of the gates on the wet track and tweaked a muscle hence while it's been a while until her first start. 'She finds a really nice race start off in and although the 1200 metres will be short of her best, I think she will run a nice race with the expectation she will be better for it.' Ensby has Shez Mysterious and Gold Puma in the Maiden Handicap (1550m) but is leaning towards splitting the pair and saving the later for either Port Macquarie or Lismore during the week. Shez Mysterious failed on her home track on May 30 but Ensby feels it is worth forgetting that run and judge her on her first two starts. The daughter of So You Think debuted with a fourth to Rainbow Lass on a Heavy 10 at Casino before coming from a conspicuous last when beaten just over a length in fourth place at Inverell on May 23. 'I think the heavy track and the quick back-up went against her last start. She just didn't handle it,' he said. 'I think it would pay to forgive her for that. 'I've given her a bit of time since then and the beauty of training at the farm is it allows me to put her out during the day. 'He first-up run at Casino was encouraging then second-up, she stood like a deer in the headlights in the barrier at Inverell and came out a clear last. 'She really closed of strongly though. 'I give her a really good chance with Ben Looker on board from barrier 1.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 6 No. 1: SAXINOUE Unbeaten second-up and steps up to a suitable trip. NEXT BEST Race 8 No. 11: LUCKY NEKO Led all-the-way last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 4 No. 7: FEATHERTOP Handy effort after a wide run last start. Looking for the extra trip. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 5 Race 6: 1, 5 Race 7: 1, 3, 5 Race 8: 2, 11 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Hard to go past JETT NEWMAN in the TAB Jockey Challenge with her strong book of rides. INSIDE MAIL – MURWILLUMBAH RACE 1: MURWILLUMBAH CUP AUGUST 22 COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP 1200m HERALD ANGEL (2) settled midfield and worked home nicely between horses to finish a neck second behind the tough Diva's Reign on debut at Grafton. Will take benefit from the experience. GAVIN (3) finished a couple of close placings along with two fourths last campaign. MAHUIKA MAROI (4) is a first starter by Redwood. Wasn't pushed when third to Olivershare on an unsuitable synthetic track in her Gold Coast trial. Bred to get over further. â– â– â– â– â– NO RAGRETS (5) broke through with a big win from Barron at Ballina last start. Led and kicked away to win by nearly four lengths. Will take plenty of confidence out of that. ODETTE'S ORCHID (6) likes to lead or be right up on speed. Forced to settled near midfield when last on a Heavy 10 at Ballina first-up. Will be fitter for the run, appreciate a firmer track and can bounce back. HUMPHREE BEAR (2) missed the kick and was well back throughout first-up. Chance on Grafton win from Rainbow Lass. â– â– â– â– â– SIGLO DE ORO (1) raced outside the leader and boxed on well for a two length fourth behind Make A Call when resuming over 1110m at Doomben. Back to 1010m and was beaten a nose at his only run at this trip. DARE TO LOVE (5) finished a half-length in front of Siglo De Oro when third in that Doomben race. Buffeted at start and worked early when seventh at Doomben last start. Will find this easier. MISS LINNY (7) will be better over further but can run well first-up. â– â– â– â– â– FEATHERTOP (7) ran handy races in his first two runs back at Doomben. Raced three-wide midfield when a two length seventh to Fiorsum Fred in a 1600m Highway at Scone on May 17. Up to 2000m now. Stablemate FULL OF SINCERITY (1) resumed with a good win at Ballina before a long neck third at Ipswich. Just behind the placegetters over 2200m in two runs since. Gets a 2kg claim. SHERRIFF CODY (6) jumps up to 2020m and has placed in four from six at the trip. Bet: Feathertop each-way â– â– â– â– â– SILENT CALL (2) had his chance when a neck second at Benalla over 1600m in February. Resumed for a new stable with a closing fifth at Doomben over 1200m. Step up in trip suits. ALMALIKAT SARAH (5) has improved with each run. Came from well back when fifth at Grafton on debut. Led when second at Beaudesert six week later then just caught by Rick For Reward at Ballina last start. CASTERLY ROCK (3) was held up on the home turn when third to Jillaroo at Doomben last start. Bet: Silent Call to win â– â– â– â– â– SAXINOUE (1) settled well back before closing off nicely despite finishing seventh when resuming over 1200m at Grafton. Jumps up to 1550m. He is unbeaten second-up including a win here on his home track. ALL ABOUT ARTIE (5) has had a long campaign which started with a win at Ipswich in January and he continues to race well. Was a three-quarter length third at Warwick two starts back before a half-length second to Monastery at Ballina. BETTER YET (4) drop sin grade from his win and fourth at Ipswich at his past two starts. Bet: Saxinoue to win â– â– â– â– â– INSINUATE (3) recorded her maiden win over this track and distance in February. After a couple of unplaced Eagle Farm runs, dropped back to country grade with a big win at Casino followed by a third last start both over 1400m. RAINBOW LASS (5) was just pipped at Ballina before winning her next two starts nicely at Casino over 1000m and 1200m. Up to 1550m for the first time which is a query but her dam won up to 1600m so worth a try. CAPITAL BOSS (1) has claims on his Gold Coast two starts back. â– â– â– â– â– LUCKY NEKO (11) was caught three-wide without cover when fifth to Ultimate Say at Grafton first-up. Jumped straight to the front and scored by over a length from Rock The Machine over 1400m at Casino last start. Drops back to 1200m but drawn well and gets a 2kg claim again. FLAME TREE STAR (3) resumes here and has placed in both first-up runs. Was beaten a short half head by Neil over 1100m fresh up last time in. SUPERZOOM (6) had a tough run at Warwick last start and has been freshened. Is a winner this track and distance.
News.com.au
34 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Hawthorn icon absent from club's premiership three-peat celebration
Lance 'Buddy' Franklin made an appearance at Hawthorn's celebration of their 2013-2015 premiership three-peat on Friday night, but a fan favourite was absent from the anniversary function. Players from Hawthorn's most recent golden premiership era attended a commemorative function in Melbourne, with the club's premiership cups from 2013, 2014 and 2015 proudly on display. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Franklin played in the 2008 and 2013 premierships with Hawthorn but missed out on the rest of the three-peat after he moved to the Sydney Swans, playing out the rest of his career there and losing three grand finals, including the 2014 decider to Hawthorn. The legendary goalkicker was in good spirits as he chatted to former Hawks spearhead Jarryd Roughead and the likes of Luke Hodge, Isaac Smith Sam Mitchell. Franklin, who is expecting his third child with wife Jesinta, didn't attend Hawthorn's 100-year club anniversary earlier this year. One fan commented on Instagram: 'Seeing Bud at Hawk functions and talking about Hawthorn warms my heart.' Franklin now co-hosts a podcast with Hawthorn champion and 2008 premiership teammate Shane Crawford. But not every player from Hawthorn's premiership three-peat could attend, and one notable absentee was legendary small forward Cyril Rioli. The 2015 Norm Smith Medallist was one of just six players to play in the three-peat and the 2008 flag, but his relationship with Hawthorn has soured over allegations of racism during his time at Hawthorn. Rioli retired in 2018 after playing 189 games across a career that saw him win Goal of the Year in 2009 and named to the All Australian team on three occasions. Neither Rioli or former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, now the coach of North Melbourne, were at the three-peat function. One fan commented on social media: 'Someone missing', while a second said: 'Where's Cyril?' A third said: 'Cyril will never come back it's sad.' Another commented: 'I do miss Cyril hopefully under Mitchell he'll feel comfortable enough to come back.' In May, triple premiership captain Luke Hodge greeted Rioli at an AFL game in Darwin and stopped to chat to his old teammate in the crowd. 'I hadn't seen him since about 2018,' Hodge said. 'I saw Mark Evans (Gold Coast Suns CEO) talking to him so I just wanted to go over and say g'day. It was good. 'He's looking great and had a smile on his face. He said his cousin was flying out there running across the halfback line. It was great to see him and Shannyn over there.' Earlier this year, Hodge told Channel 7's Agenda Setters: 'We understand that Hawthorn and Cyril haven't come to the stage where Cyril feels comfortable back in the football club just yet. 'There's been a number of guys that have reached out to Cyril. And we left on really good terms. When he retired he sent me a message saying 'thanks for all the development and help'. I've had no issues with Cyril ever, but it's almost like he's parted ways with everyone there. Even a lot of the mentors in that forward line (at the time he played) haven't been able to connect with him either.' Hawthorn have won premierships in every decade since the 1960s and now as the team's coach, Mitchell will he hoping that streak can continue in the 2020s. Jordan Lewis, who missed the event due to commentary duties with Fox Footy, said Hawthorn's dominant premiership teams were defined by their 'competitiveness'. 'You need the game plan, you need to be fit and healthy and everything to go right, but if you're not competitive, you can't sustain that long period of success,' Lewis told 'Players recognise that when they've been successful for one year and find it really hard to back it up. Then you really appreciate how good those teams that were able to stay at the top of their game and win multiple premierships in a row.'
The Australian
an hour ago
- The Australian
Kembla preview: Wild Thoughts set to shine despite draw
Local trainer Kerry Parker is optimistic of a good days racing, not just about the chances of his home track quartet but also his lone city runner. Parker has a good opinion of lightly-raced three-year-old Wild Thoughts who made his debut at Kembla back in January when third behind Modella. Put away, the Proven Thoroughbreds-owned son of So You Think has returned in very good order with an all-the-way trial win on his home track last month. •PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'That was a terrific preparation for him last time in,' said Parker. 'He trialled nicely at Warwick Farm and then ran well on debut before going for a spell. 'It was good education for him and this is now the start of his first real preparation.' Parker's confidence was dented a little when Wild Thoughts drew barrier 11 in the Midway Maiden Handicap (1200m). 'Unfortunately, he has drawn a bad gate so he is going to need some luck. 'We will just have to ride him conservatively early with cover. 'If the race is run at a suitable tempo, I expect him to finishing strongly and make his presence felt.' Parker was tickled pink with the first-up run of Tom Cruising when runner-up behind Miss Stalwart at the Sapphire Coast over an unsuitable distance. He feels the son of American Pharoah is in with a great chance when he steps up to his ideal distance in the Benchmark 68 Handicap (1600m) where he has drawn barrier 3. 'It was the first time I have ever run him over 1200 metres and it was a sensational run,' he said. 'I only took him there because it looked a nice race to start him off in on soft ground on a big track. 'He zipped up the inside really well in the straight. 'He has come back this time in a good frame of mind and is feeling well so I have no problem stepping him out to a mile which is more to his liking. 'I expect him to run really well again.' Why Why Why ran well on debut when third to Jared at Goulburn and followed up with a two-and-a-quarter length sixth to Shalaa Jet at Wyong. With a big drop in weight thanks to the 4kg claim of stable apprentice Ryan Bradley, the three-year-old gelding should be very competitive in the Maiden Plate (1600m). 'He is still learning his trade. He's only a little fella so getting the four kilo apprentice on will definitely help him,' Parker said. 'I was really pleased with his first run at Goulburn. 'We probably tried to ride him a bit cute and make use of the inside barrier at Wyong last start. 'They ran along the first half of the race pretty slick and he was under pressure a fair way out. I think they ran something like nine lengths faster than the other mile race for the first half (mile). 'He kept grinding away and wasn't beat that fare so he still went alright.' Bradley will also partner the stayer Cosmos Factory who resumes in the Class 1 Handicap (1400m). 'Naturally he will be better as he gets out over more ground but it looks a nice enough race for him,' said Parker. 'With that weight off his back, he could run a place in a race like this with no surprise.' Parker's day starts off at Randwick with consistent mare Callistemon in the Midway Handicap (1600m). 'Callistemon and Let's Go Again have been running on alternate weeks and placed in the last four (Midways) between them. 'It would be nice if the luck turns our way and we can knock one off.'
