2017 July Sprint Day has drawn classy field to nine races at Royal Randwick on Saturday, highlighted by the annual running of the $100,000 sprint.
Felines is favourite to win Saturday’s July Sprint. Photo: Steve Hart
Many talented horses will step out at Randwick on July Sprint Day, however we have analysed every runner in detail, in order to help you find a winner.
The action on July Sprint Day 2017 is set to get underway with the running of the ATC Member For A Day Handicap (1200m) at 11:35am, while the feature race will be contested at 3:15pm.
Race 1 (11:35am) ATC Member For A Day Handicap (1200m)
Only six two-year-olds will contest Race 1 on July Sprint Day. Peter & Paul Snowden are set to be well represented by Dracarys (barrier 5) and Assimilate (barrier 1); both of whom have won at the class of this race previously. The former has not been seen at the races since February, but has trialled well in the lead-up to this race, while the latter debuted for a smart win at Kembla Grange on July 8th. Chris Waller will also have two representatives in the form of Colosimo (barrier 4) and Gresham (barrier 2). The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Commanding Witness (barrier 6) carries winning form into the race, while debutante Gretzky (barrier 3) completes the race field.
Tip: No. 1 Dracarys ($3.40)
Race 2 (12:10pm) TAB Highway Handicap (1400m)
It is an open field of twelve that has been confirmed for Race 2 at Royal Randwick and there is a case to be made for most runners in this field. Nic’s Vendetta (barrier 6) has returned to racing in excellent form this time and is drawn ideally, with claiming apprentice Mikayla Weir in the saddle. Appoint Percy (barrier 9) is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from his first-up run for sixth at Wagga on July 9th and has the notable advantage of Hugh Bowman in the saddle this time, while Suncraze (barrier 10) has finished second in each of his first four starts this time and should be right in the finish once more. Care To Think (barrier 4), Last Try Wins (barrier 12) and Salesman (barrier 1) are all live chances under the conditions of this race.
Tip: No. 5 Care To Think ($3.20)
Race 3 (12:45pm) ATC Owner Benefits Card Handicap (1100m)
Eight horses remain in contention for Race 3 on July Sprint Day following scratchings. Memes (barrier 1) has been in outstanding form this time in and is the horse to beat once more after drawing into this field on the rails. Magic Alibi (barrier 8) returned to winning form at Rosehill Gardens last time out and will only take improvement into this run, while Sangiovese (barrier 7) hasn’t been far off in any of her starts this time and just needs a little bit of luck to be right in the finish once more on Saturday. Clipper (barrier 3) has shown plenty of promise through three starts this time in and should prove extremely tough to beat with a light weight and after drawing an ideal barrier.
Tip: No. 7 Clipper ($3.60)
Race 4 (1:20pm) Sydney Spring Carnival Now On Sale Sprint (1000m)
The depth of talent confirmed in the field for Race 4 has made for an extremely open event from a betting perspective. Star Crossed (barrier 6) is seeking a third-consecutive race win on Saturday, but faces a step up in class, while Salerno (barrier 7), Cudabeen (barrier 3) are also looking to extend a winning run of form. Dorf Star (barrier 6) should be rock-hard fit ahead of this, his third-up assignment and he is drawn well with Hugh Bowman in the saddle. Pro Consul (barrier 8) has performed well amongst company stronger than this previously and is not without a chance, should he receive some luck in transit.
Tip: No. 3 Star Crossed ($3.90)
Race 5 (1:55pm) Schweppes Handicap (1200m)
Ten horses remain in contention for Race 5 on July Sprint Day following scratchings and Spending To Win (barrier 4) has firmed noticeably into outright favouritism. The Snitzel colt returned to the races for a handy second at Warwick Farm on July 8th and while clearly facing a step up in class, will also take plenty of benefit into this race. Chatuchak (barrier 6) was completely luckless at Canterbury first-up this time, but is drawn for a far better run in transit and will be partnered by in-form hoop Tommy Berry, with a light weight in tow. Time Out Of Mind (barrier 9) was a smart winner at Newcastle two starts ago and can be forgiven for his luckless run at Warwick Farm last time out.
Tip: No. 10 Chatuchak – Each Way ($8/$2.55)
Race 6 (2:35pm) ATC Heritage Volunteers Handicap (1800m)
There’s plenty of quality gallopers confirmed in the field for Race 6, including Loophole (barrier 2). The quality galloper has so-far failed to fire in two starts this time, but always performs well third-up and is way over the odds at current. Liapari (barrier 5) has found outstanding form this season and is arguably the horse to beat after drawing ideally into this field, while So Willie (barrier 4) has continued to improve this time and is ready to return to winning form. Kiwi import Sound Proposition (barrier 10) has been charged with overcoming the outside barrier and topweight, but carries winning form into the race following an impressive performance at Randwick last time out. Loyalty Man (barrier 9) should be approaching peak fitness leading into this race.
Tip: No. 5 Liapari ($4)
Race 7 (3:15pm) July Sprint (1100m)
The feature race has drawn a small but classy field of sprinters, reduced to seven following the scratching of Magic Alibi. That’s A Good Idea (barrier 3) has not been seen at the races since April, but ran on well to finish second in the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m). Felines (barrier 1) won the Hawkesbury Gold Rush, but has received a freshen-up since placing fifth in each of the Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m) and Listed June Stakes (1100m). Boss Lane (barrier 5) went amiss last time out, but is up to the class of this race, while Reldas (barrier 2) should also improve off his last run. Kudero (barrier 8), Highly Geared (barrier 4) and Petrossan (barrier 7) complete the July Sprint field.
Tip: No. 4 Reldas ($4.80)
Race 8 (3:55pm) Winx Is Coming Handicap (1200m)
Nine horses remain in contention for Race 8 on July Sprint Day following scratchings. Bolero King (barrier 6) was a smart first-up winner this time and ran on well to finish second at Canterbury last time out. Kings Of Leon (barrier 10) was excellent to the line last time out and should only take benefit from that run, while Taillevent (barrier 2) ran on well to finish second behind Irish Constabulary at Doomben last time out and should enjoy the conditions of this race. Godolphin runner Torpenhow (barrier 4) is seeking consecutive wins, is drawn ideally and is more than a chance under the conditions on this race.
Tip: No. 7 Torpenhow – Each Way ($6.50/$2.05)
Race 9 (4:35pm) #TheRaces Handicap (1500m)
2017 July Sprint Day will draw to a close after a capacity field takes to the barriers for Race 9. Steyne (barrier 6) has gained a start with the scratching of Del Prado and is undoubtedly the horse to beat in this race. The Snitzel gelding has one each of his four most-recent starts and while facing a step up in class here, has conditions to suit and the ability to win. Invincible Knight (barrier 17) has been strong and consistent this time, but has been charged with overcoming the outside gate, while Pelethronius (barrier 8) is seeking a fourth-consecutive race win and is drawn well. Kingsguard (barrier 16) also carries winning form into this race, but has drawn awkwardly.
Tip: No. 15 Steyne ($4.50)
