Randwick racing tips for April 11
Day 2 of The Championships at Randwick promises another feast for the aficionado of high-class racehorses, including the pinnacle of the Sydney autumn carnival: the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
As with Day 1, when the WGL team successfully pushed its followers into several good priced winners and placegetters, there are four more group 1s: the Australian Oaks, Sydney Cup, Queen Of The Turf for the girls, and the Queen Elizabeth over 2000m.
The latter is Sydney’s answer to what has long been regarded as the Australasian weight-for-age championships, the W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) run at Moonee Valley in the Melbourne spring.
Undefeated mare Autumn Glow heads into the Queen Elizabeth as a short-priced favourite and that is no surprise; she has won 11 races straight and is arguably Australia’s best horse, though last week’s brilliant Doncaster winner Sheza Alibi is coming for the title.
Interestingly, Autumn Glow is an early $2.50 for the group 1 Cox Plate, with the filly Sheza Alibi around $7 mark. Aeliana, which opposes Autumn Glow this weekend, is at $4 for the Cox plate. The market for the Cox Plate will be shaken up after this weekend’s race.
Read on for our best bets for the major races on the Randwick card on April 11.
Race 5
Asahi Super Dry Australian Oaks (2400m)
The boys had their turn in the ATC Derby last weekend and this time the staying fillies take center stage over the classic distance. New Zealand Derby winner Ohope Wins (1) seeks to bounce back from a luckless Vinery run and bring her elite Kiwi form to Randwick. She faces a stiff challenge from Profoundly (3), which was strong winning the traditional lead-up race the Adrian Knox Stakes. We sense an upset here over the longer trip and with a wet track, so have settled on the roughie Satono Invader (9), which hails from the sharp Kris Lees stable and has a fine staying jockey in Jason Collett on board.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 9,3,1,2. Best bet: Satono Invader (9) each-way at 20-1 plus. She still has upside.
Race 7
Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m)
The gruelling two-miler for the stayers where stamina is king at the testing Randwick track which is also likely to be rain affected. Mr Monaco (11) is the early favourite following an impressive Manion Cup victory, and carries a light weight for top trainer Ciaron Maher. But this race features a wide betting market and we are tipping another lightly raced gelding in the fast-finishing Newlook (13), which secured his spot by winning the Chairman’s Quality last Saturday. Newlook has red-hot Rachel King in the saddle and has drawn the prized gate one. Topweight River Of Stars (1) ran fourth in a strong Melbourne Cup last year and is working up to peak form for this. He will not be far away despite the 56.5kg steadier.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 13,1,11,4 . Best bet: Newlook (13) each-way at around $10 with Australian betting sites.
Race 8
Moet & Chandon Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m)
This clash of high-class mares should be a cracker. The presence of frontrunner Pride Of Jenni (1) always adds intrigue and she will likely lead until the latter stages, even if she cannot take them all the way. We are very confident about the prospects of Lady Shenandoah (2), which looks trained to the minute for the contest and has the master James McDonald in the saddle. There is plenty of money to suggest Treasurethe Moment (3) can add to her 11 wins and six placings from only 18 starts and she will almost certainly be in the finish. We just expect Lady Shenandoah to get the perfect smother and arrive at the right time to win this one. Artic Glamour (7) is the value hope at big odds.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 2,3,7,1. Best bet: Lady Shenandoah (2) to win at around $4. She ticks all the boxes this time.
Race 9
Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1200m)
The unbeaten superstar Autumn Glow (7) faces her ultimate test, for this autumn at least. After dominant wins in the group 1 Verry Elleegant and George Ryder, she meets seasoned internationals, including Dubai Honour (1). The William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour is looking to repeat his 2023 win in the race, while Sir Delius (2) and the versatile mare Aeliana (8) offer local resistance in this $5 million weight-for-age clash. Aeliana is low flying and could be the main challenger as she has come as close as any to upstaging Autumn Glow.
Rupert McIntosh tips: 7,8,1,2. Best bet: Maybe the 7-8 quinella or exacta as Autumn Glow looks a cut above.
