WE CAN almost see spring racing on the horizon and the Group 3 Warwick Stakes gives punters a pretty good taste of what’s to come.
The bookmakers have given their best bets for the feature race at Randwick this Saturday – with a nice spread of tips.
They have also supplied us with their day’s best, value runner and lay of the day.
Be sure to browse through our recommended online bookmaker guides to find the best bookie for you.
Warwick Stakes best bets
Sportsbet.com.au – First Seal ($2.70)
“Trialled well. Drawn well. Loves the trip. Wins this if forward enough. Most of her competitors will not be wound to win first-up. She will be looking to pick a couple of nice races off at the start of the spring.”
CrownBet.com.au – Kermadec ($6.50)
“Hard to know exactly how fit some of these are going to be first-up, but expect Kermadec to have the edge on his stablemates in particular, if his early runs in the autumn were any guide.”
Bet365.com – Royal Descent ($7.50)
“Many queries with so many resuming. Going with the Chris Wallertrained mare. Finds it hard to win this level but she might be more forward than most. Look for Hugh Bowman to give her a gun ride.”
WilliamHill.com.au – Burbero ($9)
“Has returned in cracking order this preparation judging by his two runs back. Will only be improved with the extra distance of this race and has a fitness edge over all of his main rivals here.”
Saturday’s best bets and value runners
WilliamHill.com.au: Fell Swoop at $2.70 (Randwick, Race 3)
“Was very unlucky when resuming before atoning in no uncertain terms last start. Looks a horse of some promise and looks up to better races than this. The one to beat.”
Value runner – Temps Voleur, Moonee Valley, Race 3
“Always promised a bit and starting to deliver judging by his recent form. Loved the way he fought on last time giving the indication the extra distance is not a worry. Looks good value at his current quote.”
Bet365.com: Artibai at $3.40 (Randwick, Race 8)
“Wasn’t beaten far when placing second-up. Can only be fitter and the step up in journey looks ideal. To be ridden by Brenton Avdulla, who is flying at the moment, look for him to be charging home.”
Value runner – Leveraction, Moonee Valley, Race 2
“Hoping for an easy time of it in front for what looks the obvious leader. Has continued to improve at every run this preparation and looks rock hard fit now. Could steal it.”
CrownBet.com.au: Fell Swoop at $2.60 (Randwick, Race 3)
“Showed he was a horse with a bright future earlier this year and that has been backed up with an impressive win second-up, after a luckless run first-up. Blake Shinn sticking only further enhances.”
Value runner – Sasenkile, Randwick, Race 5
“Has placed four from four when first-up. The 2kg claim for Serg Lisnyy will assist towards the business end of the race and at the price is worth an each-way look.”
Sportsbet.com.au: Gregers at $2.30 (Moonee Valley, Race 7)
“Resuming off some good jump-outs and has an excellent record here. Despite carrying the top-weight against the boys, she actually is well in under the set weight and penalty conditions of the race.”
Value runner – Denarius, Brisbane, Race 8
“Three times a winner at Doomben, including once over Worthy Cause, which is proof enough of his talent. Drawn kindly and with plenty of speed engaged, he’s great value.”
Bookmakers’ lay of the day
Kimberley Star – Randwick, Race 4
“Hard to knock after winning her last three and only missing a place once in seven starts, but she has to drop back in distance here against some sharp fillies and does look a risk back on top of the ground.”
Tawteen – Moonee Valley, Race 4
“Classy mare that always has admirers, however carrying 60kg and coming off an average first-up effort, we are happy to be taking her on this weekend despite her good record at the track.”
Echo Gal – Randwick, Race 2
“Is arguably the fittest horse in the race but has not carried 57.5kg and will be racing against a field of smart sprinters with Amicus and Wine Tales poised to strike.”
Albonetti – Moonee Valley, Race 3
“Is fitter for two runs back from a spell and has the blinkers now but she looks rock bottom odds at her current quote and is worth opposing at that price.”