Get our Randwick, Flemington and Eagle Farm best bets for Saturday October 3, including key runners, race analysis and betting opportunities across both meetings.
BRINDAVAN (2) is racing well and looks ready to tackle the mile after two strong closing efforts.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding put his rivals away over 1350m at Doomben two starts ago, recording the quickest final 400m on his way to a three-quarter-length win.
He followed that with a neck second, again finishing with the best closing sectionals. A tick-over trial should have him ready to go, and he’s also won third-up in the United Kingdom.
With a class edge and little pace expected, Ryan Maloney may be able to cross from the outside barrier and find a prominent spot.
| 2. Brindavan (8) J: Ryan Maloney 58kg 43×12 T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Went within half a length of Kintyre at this track last start after travelling well behind the leaders, and that followed a Benchmark 85 win at Doomben where he beat Ser Joh despite knuckling at the start. Proven at 1600m and looks a major winning threat. | |||
AETHELWULF (7) could be a potential staying star as he chases his fifth consecutive win.
The Matthew Smith-trained gelding has progressed nicely through the grades, winning a Class 1 Handicap by 6.5 lengths four starts ago before tackling his toughest test last start in the Group 3 Newcastle Cup.
The four-year-old made light work of that challenge, taking the lead in the back straight before dashing clear to win the 2300m contest by 2.47 lengths.
Zac Lloyd has been in the saddle for all four wins and can give him another sweet ride from the good draw.
| 7. Aethelwulf (3) J: Zac Lloyd 55kg 51111 T: Matthew Smith | |||
| Dual acceptor. On a four run winning streak. At the latest run favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.5 len in the G3 Newcastle Cup on September 18 over 2300m defeating Steel Blaze carrying 54kg at $1.20. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.25 len in a Bm78 at Rosehill on August 29 over 2000m defeating Anthracite carrying 58kg at $1.35. Goes to a new level again and not sure where the ceiling is. | |||
JUJA KIBO (7) shapes as a major player in the Bart Cummings if the forecast rain arrives and the track gets to heavy.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding showed plenty of grit first-up in the Rowley Mile. Despite racing three-wide, he kept battling to finish just over two lengths third.
He looks ready to peak third-up after a strong run in the Group 2 Kingston Town Stakes, where he closed on The Euphrates late to finish just under a length away in second.
His wet-track record is a real plus, with four wins and three placings from eight starts on rain-affected ground. Ben Melham should be able to settle him prominently.
| 7. Juja Kibo (10) Scratched: | |||
AUTUMN BOY (3) returns to Sydney after chasing home the supremely talented Sheza Alibi in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
The Chris Waller-trained entire gave a good account of himself, working home strongly from well back to finish 2.75 lengths second.
He has raced over a mile four times, with his only defeats coming at the hands of Sheza Alibi. As well as last start, he finished runner-up to her in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile and Group 1 Randwick Guineas.
The son of The Autumn Sun is unbeaten third-up. He won the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas over this distance and the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas over 2000m last preparation.
James McDonald can give him the run of the race from the inside gate.
| 3. Autumn Boy (1) J: James McDonald 55.5kg 12×82 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up 8th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 58.5kg at $9. Second run from a spell 2nd of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m, 2.75 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 58.5kg at $20. Returned good figures in the Makybe Diva, top three player. | |||
MOULIN MISS (11) has been hard to catch at Eagle Farm and gets her chance to make another bold bid with just 52kg on her back.
The Tony Gollan-trained mare led throughout over this course and distance last start, winning by 1.36 lengths in slick time.
She’s won three of her past four over the Eagle Farm 1000m, with her only defeat a head second.
A recent trial win over Yellow Brick should have her tuned up for another strong showing, with Angela Jones aboard.
| 11. Moulin Miss (5) J: Angela Jones 52kg 24141 T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Led and kicked strongly to win a Class 6 at this track on soft ground last start, beating Fleetwood by a length and a half while near the top of betting. She was overrun late over 1110m at Doomben before that, so the return to 1000m clearly suited. Strong track-and-trip record and Angela Jones add to the case. | |||
SIR DELIUS (2) returns to the scene of last year’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes triumph, where he overcame a tough run and a lost plate to score by 1.75 lengths.
The Waterhouse and Bott-trained gelding looks well placed to defend his title after an encouraging return in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes. He worked home nicely for fourth, beaten 3.9 lengths by Sheza Alibi.
The distance suits, and his record includes wins in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Chairman’s Quality Handicap, which he claimed on a heavy Doomben track in his first Australian start.
There doesn’t look to be much speed, so Craig Williams should be able to settle him handy and give him every chance.
| 2. Sir Delius (9) J: Craig Williams 59kg 331×4 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months 4th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 4 len behind Sheza Alibi carrying 59kg at $5. Previously second-up eased back early on 3rd in a small field in the G1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill on March 21 over 2000m, slow going 1.1 len behind Aeliana with 59kg at $3. Did more than enough fresh, he’ll improve again but his best would win. | |||