Everest Day at Randwick was a big one for us, but the finishing order only tells half the story.
Some horses got no luck at all. Others were ridden quietly, warmed up late and are crying out for a different race next time.
Most punters will look at the results and move on. That's where we find our edge. These are the 7 runners from Randwick on Saturday 17 October I'm marking in the black book for next start.
1. KNOBELAS: Race 3, Angst Stakes (SP $31)
Not given much hope from the wide draw, and the market had her at big odds. She was a bit slowly away and allowed to settle last. She really warmed up late, but she was off the bit a long way from home, and that tells me she's looking for further.
2. KLONDIKE: Race 4, St Leger Stakes (SP $7.50)
A very good third, second-up from a long spell. He began okay before being restrained to last, and it was a good ride until he ran out of room at a key stage. Forgive the beaten margin. With more luck in the straight he gets a lot closer, and he should peak next time.
3. SKYBIRD: Race 6, Sydney Stakes (SP $10)
No luck at all. She began okay, went back and got held up at a key stage. The way she surged through the line, she should have gone close to winning.
4. WITHIN THE LAW: Race 8, Silver Eagle (SP $51)
A good effort first-up in a very fast race. She got hampered at the start and settled well back, then surged late to finish under a length from the winner. Further suits.
5. RIVELLINO: Race 8, Silver Eagle (SP $151)
Needs an easier race. He began okay before being eased back to the tail, then warmed up late and found the line. A sneaky good run, and one to watch when he drops in grade.
6. RUINATION: Race 10, HKJC World Pool BM88 (SP $8)
Forgive this one. He began poorly after lunging at the gates right before they opened, then hit the line strongly. There was good late support for him in the market, and he can improve next time by settling closer to the lead.
7. ESTREMO: Race 10, HKJC World Pool BM88 (SP $21)
Second-up, and gelded this prep. Taken back from the wide draw, he hit the line really strongly late. A senior jockey next time will help.
About the Writer: Blake Johnston
I'm Blake Johnston, founder of The Leg Up Australia.
I spent years on the other side of the counter as a bookmaker with Bet365, Unibet, UBet and TopBetta. I've also worked as an assistant producer at Sky Racing. I know exactly how the bookies frame their markets, and where they get it wrong.
In 2024 I was crowned Australia's Best Tipster by The Great Tipoff.
These days I'm on your side of the counter, taking my old work buddies to the cleaners.
PS. Here's what my members got on Saturday:
✅ So You Are: Randwick R4, WON @ TO+ $3.52
✅ Cross Tasman: Randwick R10, WON @ TO+ $2.42
❌ Saffron Veil: Randwick R2, unplaced
❌ Polymnia: Randwick R3, 4th
❌ Thebelmontgangster: Randwick R10, unplaced
❌ Taipan Legend: Newcastle R7, unplaced
6 Pro Tips. 2 winners. +7.1 units. The two winners were our biggest stakes.
On top of that, our best or value pick won 6 of the 10 races at Randwick, and our Black Book had BEYOND THE REEF salute at $41.
These 7 are just the ones I'm watching. My members get my Pro Tips every day, with ratings, staking and full race analysis, straight to their inbox.
Not ready yet? Join the free email list and I'll send you the next one.
Tips and analysis only, not financial advice. 18+. Gamble responsibly. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
