Well there’s a bit going on this Saturday, and heaps of best bets to be made! We’re here to give you a couple of tips we have identified as ones we’re not bullish on laying…
Verry Elleegant Stakes Day 2025: Group 1 Racing Returns to Royal Randwick
Group 1 racing is back at Royal Randwick this Saturday, with a stacked 10-race card headlined by the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m). This weight-for-age feature, formerly known as the Chipping Norton Stakes, celebrates the legendary mare Verry Elleegant, an 11-time Group 1 winner who secured eight elite-level victories on ATC tracks.
The Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) for three-year-old fillies adds further star power to the program, with Lady Shenandoah dominating early Surround Stakes betting.
With the rail in the true position and dry conditions forecast, punters can expect a firm Good 4 surface—ideal for high-class racing. The first race on Verry Elleegant Stakes Day is scheduled for 12:30pm AEDT.
A Milestone Celebration at Randwick
This year marks the 100th running of the Verry Elleegant Stakes (formerly the Chipping Norton), a race that has been won by legends such as Phar Lap and Winx (four times). The day will celebrate the extraordinary career of Verry Elleegant, with a tribute video available for racegoers to relive her finest moments.
Experience the Best of Sydney Racing
A day at Royal Randwick is a racing experience like no other, blending world-class racing, entertainment, fashion, and fine dining. Racegoers can enjoy the state-of-the-art WINX Stand, open to all, for a premium trackside experience at Sydney’s most prestigious racing venue.
RACE 4: CATANACH’S JEWELLERS SKYLINE STAKES (1200m)
Best to Back: Shaggy ($2.20) – But Too Short to Tip as a Bet
Shaggy has been faultless so far, winning all three career starts, including an emphatic win in the Pierro Plate last start. He has proven speed, runs time, and keeps improving. There’s no doubt he’s the one to beat, but at $2.25, he’s simply too short to back at the price.
Best to Back Instead: Comedy ($6.50)
If Shaggy is vulnerable at all, it could be Comedy who turns the tables. He was huge late when charging home behind Shaggy in the Pierro Plate, suggesting that stepping up to 1200m will suit him perfectly. If they overdo it in front, he will be the one launching late.
Best Value: Algorithmic ($12.00)
Algorithmic had a quiet debut in the Lonhro Plate, where he worked home well without being a winning chance. Stepping up to 1200m is ideal, and Team Hawkes’ juveniles are flying right now. If he improves second-up as expected, he looks like an each-way player at double-figure odds.
Race Insights
- Shaggy is a serious Golden Slipper prospect, but he might be forced to work early with pressure on up front.
- Comedy ($6.50) ran the best closing splits last start and will appreciate the extra distance.
- Skyhook ($8.00) was solid on debut in the same race as Shaggy and Comedy. With natural improvement, he could run a big race.
- Quietly Arrogant ($13.00) has Magic Millions form but needs to step up here.
Race 5 – Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m)
Best to Back: Snitzel Miss ($4.00)
Snitzel Miss was unlucky on debut in the Widden Stakes, where she was held up badly before flashing home for third. That form has been franked in the Blue Diamond Stakes, and she will improve sharply second-up with James McDonald sticking aboard. She maps well and looks the most reliable runner.
Best Value: Within The Law ($7.50)
Within The Law was huge in the Inglis Millennium, where she stormed home from the rear but just had too much to do. Stepping up to 1200m is ideal, and if they go hard up front, Jason Collett can weave through and produce a big finish late. At $7.50, she offers each-way value in a race with plenty of speed.
Race Insights
- Bellazaine ($4.00) was strong on speed in the Lonhro Plate but now faces a tougher field at 1200m.
- Inkaruna ($5.00) would have been a major chance if she had drawn better, but barrier 12 makes things tricky.
- Artistic Venture ($34.00) is a massive price for a horse who hit the line well in the Inglis Millennium and might be one for exotic bets.
Final Thoughts
Snitzel Miss has the strongest form lines and should get a perfect run, making her the best to back. Within The Law is the big value play at $7.50, especially if the race is run at a fast tempo.
Race 6 – Guy Walter Stakes (1400m)
Best to Back: Olentia ($4.80)
Olentia has race fitness on her side and looks well-suited by the likely slow tempo. She was super in the Expressway Stakes, making up good ground late behind Magic Time. With no clear leader in this field, her sharp turn of foot makes her the most appealing betting option at nearly double the price of Amelia’s Jewel.
Best Value: Tashi ($12.00)
Tashi was strong in the Triscay Stakes, running fifth over 1200m. She’s a two-time winner at Randwick, and the blinkers coming off suggests she’ll settle better and be strong through the line. With a drop in weight and stepping up to 1400m, she’s a good each-way chance at $12.
Race Insights
- Amelia’s Jewel ($2.40) is the class runner but is likely under the odds given the potential race shape. If the pace is slow, she might struggle to produce her best late.
- Dark Glitter ($14.00) almost caused an upset in the Millie Fox Stakes, and backing up quickly suggests she’s in top form.
- Alsephina ($8.00) is talented but first-up and might need the run, though she has a strong record fresh.
Final Thoughts
Olentia is the best betting option, given the likely slow tempo, which will allow her to unleash late. Tashi is a value play, while Amelia’s Jewel is the best horse but a risky bet at short odds.
Race 7 – Surround Stakes (1400m)
Best to Back: Lady Shenandoah ($1.55) – But Too Short to Tip as a Bet
Lady Shenandoah has taken control of the 3YO fillies’ ranks, and her dominant win in the Light Fingers Stakes was basically a barrier trial. She maps to get the perfect run again from barrier 3 with James McDonald aboard, and only bad luck stops her from winning. However, at $1.55, she’s far too short to tip as a bet.
Best to Back Instead: Lady of Camelot ($6.50 Place Bet / Exotics Play)
Lady of Camelot was left a sitting shot behind Lady Shenandoah last start but ran well. With blinkers going on, she can settle closer and fight on for second or third. She won’t beat Lady Shenandoah, but she makes sense as a place bet or for exotics.
Best Value: More Territories ($12.00 Place Bet)
More Territories avoided this high-class fillies’ group first-up, instead winning impressively over 1400m at Randwick in a BM78. She’s fit, on the rise, and will stay the trip strongly. She’s a knockout chance to fill a place if some of the top fillies don’t show up.
Race Insights
- Lady Shenandoah is the best horse, but at $1.55, there’s no value in backing her straight.
- Lady of Camelot ($6.50) gets the blinkers back on and should improve enough to run in the top three.
- More Territories ($12.00) is a fit horse with upside and could surprise for a placing.
- Manaal ($9.00) has a strong Randwick record but needs luck from the map.
Final Thoughts
Lady Shenandoah wins unless something goes terribly wrong, but there’s no value at $1.55. A place bet on Lady of Camelot ($6.50) or More Territories ($12.00) offers better value, and they’re the ones to include in exotics.
Race 8 – Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m)
Best to Back: Via Sistina ($1.95) – But Too Short to Tip as a Bet
Via Sistina ran well first-up in the Apollo Stakes despite being buried on the fence in a sit-and-sprint affair. With J-Mac jumping back on, the step up to 1600m is perfect, and she should be much stronger late. However, at $1.95, the price is too short to tip confidently as a bet.
Best to Back Instead: Ceolwulf ($5.50)
Ceolwulf was solid first-up in the Apollo Stakes, hitting the line well despite looking one of the first horses off the bit. He is a proven Randwick miler, and 1600m second-up is perfect for him. He looks to have more improvement than Fangirl, and $5.50 is much better value than Via Sistina at $1.95.
Best Value: Golden Path ($46.00 – Exotics & Place Chance)
Golden Path was in the right spot in the Apollo but just lacked a turn of foot late. The extra 200m suits, and he maps to get another soft run on-pace. While he won’t win unless something crazy happens, he can run a sneaky placing at big odds ($46.00).
Race Insights
- Fangirl ($3.00) was brilliant first-up, but her pattern always requires luck, and she’s never won second-up (4:0-1-0).
- Lindermann ($11.00) is fit and racing well, but this field is much stronger than last start.
- Arapaho ($26.00) will improve over further, but his first-up run was promising.
Final Thoughts
Via Sistina is the best horse here, but at $1.95, she’s not a great betting proposition. Ceolwulf is the better value bet at $5.50, while Golden Path ($46.00) could add value to trifectas and first fours.
Race 9 – Liverpool City Cup (1300m)
Best to Back: With Your Blessing ($6.50)
With Your Blessing smashed the clock last start at Randwick, winning impressively with 58kg. He drops to 54kg here, maps to settle on pace, and will be strong late in a race where many runners are just resuming. The market might underestimate his winning form, but he’s a serious chance to go back-to-back.
Best Value: Golden Mile ($11.00)
Golden Mile returns as a gelding and has trialled brilliantly leading into this first-up run. He’s always had Group 1 ability, and if his attitude has improved, he’s right in this race at a big price. His barrier (6) gives him a perfect stalking position, and if he produces anywhere near his best, he’s over the odds.
Race Insights
- Encap ($7.50) is classy but resumes off just one trial, which is a small concern first-up at 1300m.
- Gringotts ($4.50) is a reliable horse but has to carry 61kg, which makes this a tough ask fresh.
- Willaidow ($8.00) is flying with three wins in a row, but won’t get the same easy run as last start.
- Iowna Merc ($7.00) ran second to Magic Time in the Expressway and is in career-best form.
Final Thoughts
With Your Blessing is fit, in form, and maps beautifully – he’s the one to back. Golden Mile has serious ability and could win first-up at $11 if he’s back to his best. Encap is a chance but might need this run, while Gringotts is a risk with 61kg.
Australian Guineas Day 2025: High-Stakes Racing Returns to Flemington
The Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) takes center stage at Flemington this Saturday, headlining a stacked 10-race program. Supported by the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) and the $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m), this premier raceday promises world-class racing at one of Australia’s most iconic tracks.
With a Good 4 track expected and the rail out 2m for the entire circuit, conditions should be ideal for fast, competitive racing. The first race on Australian Guineas Day 2025 is scheduled for 12:15pm AEDT.
Howden Australian Guineas: The Nation’s Best Three-Year-Olds Collide
The $1 million Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m) will see Australia’s top three-year-olds battle it out over the famous Flemington mile. This prestigious race has long been a launching pad for future champions, and 2025 promises another high-stakes showdown.
A Million-Dollar Sprint & Blamey Stakes Feature on the Undercard
The $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m), exclusive to Inglis Sales graduates, has produced Group 1 winners such as Overpass and Benedetta in recent years. Meanwhile, the Group 2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) offers a crucial pathway to the All-Star Mile, adding further intrigue to an already electric day of racing.
With elite competition, massive prize pools, and Flemington’s historic backdrop, Australian Guineas Day 2025 is a must-watch for punters and racing fans alike.
Race 7 – Blamey Stakes (1600m)
Best to Back: Zardozi ($7.00)
Zardozi was solid first-up in the Apollo Stakes, finishing just 3.8 lengths off Fangirl in a race shape that didn’t suit her. The rise to 1600m at Flemington is perfect, and she has good form at this track (2 wins from 5 starts). With Jamie Melham aboard, she should be well-positioned to strike late.
Best Value: Poison Chalice ($23.00 – Each Way)
Poison Chalice ran in the Elms two weeks ago but was caught out by the hot tempo. If this race sets up with a more even pace, he has the ability to bounce back at big odds. He’s capable of surprising at a price and is worth a small each-way bet at $23.00.
Race Insights
- Steparty ($5.50) continues to race well without winning, placing in Group 1 company behind Mr Brightside. He’s rock-hard fit and maps well.
- Place Du Carrousel ($9.00) is a big watch with 53kg, but her spring form was below expectations. If she’s back to her best, she’s the one to beat.
- Marble Arch ($6.50) just missed at Caulfield and has a strong record on dry ground, making her a genuine contender.
- Just Folk ($8.50) is race-fit and well-drawn, making him a good each-way play.
Final Thoughts
Zardozi is the best to back at $7.00 – she maps well and should be suited at Flemington over a mile. Poison Chalice offers value at $23.00, while Steparty and Place Du Carrousel are both genuine winning chances.
Race 8 – Australian Guineas (1600m)
Best to Back: Sepals ($5.00)
Sepals has continued to improve with every run, and his dominant CS Hayes win last start suggests he’s the one to beat again. The extra 200m looks ideal, and he maps for a perfect run with Blake Shinn aboard. If he runs up to his last-start performance, he’s right in the finish again.
Best Value: Henlein ($21.00 – Each Way)
Henlein never handled the conditions last start in the CS Hayes, and he’s a big chance of improving on a firmer track. His trial work before resuming was excellent, and the rise to 1600m should suit. At $21, he’s overs and a great each-way play.
Race Insights
- Goldrush Guru ($12.00) has progressed well this prep and looks ready for 1600m, making him a strong top-three chance.
- Point And Shoot ($5.50) is a progressive type from Bjorn Baker, winning two in a row at Randwick, but this is a big class jump.
- Savaglee ($6.00) brings Group 1 form from NZ, but faces a tough task first-up in Australia.
- Feroce ($14.00) didn’t fire in the CS Hayes, but on a firmer track, he’s capable of a big run at odds.
Final Thoughts
Sepals is the logical top pick, coming off a strong win at Flemington and stepping up to 1600m at the right time. Henlein is the best value bet, and Goldrush Guru should run a big race. Point And Shoot is a danger but short enough in betting, while Savaglee is the wildcard from New Zealand.
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