Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy's race-by-race tips, analysis for Royal Randwick on Saturday plus Group 1 racing at Eagle Farm

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a day ago

Racenet and The Daily Telegraph's Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central's Ron Dufficy discuss all the chances on the 10-race program at Royal Randwick, as well as the three Group 1 races at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
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DUFF'S BEST BET
Race 1 No.1 HIDDEN MOTIVE
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RANDWICK RACE 1: Precise Air Hcp (1100m)
Ron Dufficy: I like HIDDEN MOTIVE (1). He's a horse that has kept improving and was very sharp winning his maiden in fast time last start. He should go right on with the job here. MATIMA (2) stuck on well in the heavy after seven weeks between runs last time and looks some threat. CENTRAL COAST (7) is a well-bred colt who has looked very capable in his two trials. Wollzeile might be a filly with upside.
Ray Thomas: It's hard to tip against HIDDEN MOTIVE (1). The form around him is very good and he really showed what he is capable of at Hawkesbury. Wollzeile ran very well first-up in stakes grade at Scone and will be fitter. MATIMA (2) tried hard behind the promising Agarwood last start and that form reads well for this race. CENTRAL COAST (7) is a big watch as this regally-bred colt has trialled really well.
The Private Harry connection of trainer @NathanDoyle015, syndicator Sean Driver and jockey @AshMorgan6 will combine with another boom young sprinter Hidden Motive at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Story: @RayThomas_1 ðŸ'‡ https://t.co/DhR2Qj91J9
— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) June 5, 2025
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Dufficy: ENGINE ROOM (4) started favourite in a harder race and ran off the track at Gosford. He appeared a very progressive type with successive wins prior to that would have to be hard to beat in a race like this if he gets back to that form. JUMEIRAH BEACH (1) was good late at Scone and is sure to be running on late here. Danish Prince is a tough, on-pace competitor who will give a sight. CALLISTEMON (17) was very good at this level second-up and is a good lightweight chance.
Thomas: I've gone wide with CONVERGENT (10). I know he is eligible for easier races than this but his debut win on Anzac Day on the Kensington track was very impressive. He's trialled nicely between runs, he's been kept fresh for the 1500m, and he's a generous each way odds. ENGINE ROOM (4) got it all wrong at Gosford but back on the bigger Randwick track he can bounce back. DANISH PRINCE (11) has been improved by two good runs since resuming and has found himself in a winnable race. Piraeus is always a chance this grade.
Convergent wins on debut for Jim & Greg Lee with @Reganbayliss in the saddle ðŸ'° @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/cjExQDsMw5
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 25, 2025
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Dufficy: Smallest field, hardest race of the day. Anything goes here as there is no early speed at all. I am leaning to CHANGING COLOURS (8). I respect a fit Chris Waller horse coming from Victoria, she is yet to miss a place in eight starts, and just might have more tactical speed. SHOHISHA (2) is 1100m to 1600m but this stable is very capable of doing it and I am wary of her. MISS KIM KAR (4) was great winning here on the heavy last start indicating a mile should pose her no problems. PIPPIE BEACH (1) loves it wet and is usually better again second-up from a spell.
Thomas: You could make a case for all eight starters, Ronnie. I've gone with GENTLESCHI (7) although I'm worried about the early tempo. She is coming back slightly in trip but she was very good at Scone where she charged home to just miss and she handles wet tracks. MISS KIM KAR (4) is racing in great form and will be hard to hold out. CHANGING COLOURS (8) doesn't know how to run a bad race and SHOHISHA (2) 's tactical speed could give her a decisive advantage.
Miss Kim Kar storms home on the outside and wins the last at Randwick! ðŸ'¥ @djgibbons22 & @BBakerRacing get their double to close out the day! ✌ï¸� pic.twitter.com/qTn29SLmDV
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
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Dufficy: I'm with SHROPSHIRE LAD (6). He's only a three-year-old and is up in grade but he appears to be a nice horse with a bright future and I think he is up to the task here. VINOLASS (4) is off a long break but is talented and looked great under a hold in a recent barrier trial. SHE WITHIN (12) is very likeable fresh off two eye-catching Highway runs at the end of her last preparation. CARRIBEAN KING (8) should be doing his thing and running on hard late on a track that suits him.
Thomas: SHROPSHIRE LAD (6) did produce an impressive burst of acceleration to win at Scone first-up. The stable has a big opinion of him and he's the one to beat. SHE WITHIN (12) is a promising filly resuming but she is up to Highway grade and her recent trials have been sharp. I'm also wary of VINOLASS (4) first-up and SATIN STILLETO (3) 's run at Scone was a big improvement.
Strong first-up win for Vinolass at Canberra ðŸ'° @ZRKD @ThoroughbredPk pic.twitter.com/ghwzT3nBJ6
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 12, 2023
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Dufficy: HURSTVILLE ZAGREB (1) has a big weight and an ordinary draw but he's had excuses in his two runs back and has to be given another chance. DUVANA (3) is a little forgotten at the price as his form was good prior to his forgivable run on that very heavy track last start. TACT (8) is an improver coming through the grades and can shape up with the claim. MILLIE DE LUNE (13) has no weight, is fit and is ready for a crack at 2000m now.
Thomas: This is an open race but I've landed on EL PASO (11) each way. He got left in front at Hawkesbury but held his ground to run a good third. He's drawn perfectly, is down in the weights, handles wet tracks and is good value near double figure odds. No knock on your selection, HURSTVILLE ZAGREB (1). He will be in the finish for sure. TACT (8) and BEARINGS (12) are both in winning form.
A winning debut for Hurstville Zagreb at Goulburn! @JohnOSheaRacing pic.twitter.com/hhvsliJKPh
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 11, 2025
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Dufficy: I am with FEDERER (14), Ray. He was very impressive winning his first two starts last preparation where he looked the real deal. He should be ready after two barrier trials and although he is a little unknown on the wet track, I'm happy to go with his talent. THUNDERLIPS (4) was very tough last start and is at the top of his game now. OH DIAMOND LIL (6) is an underrated mare who did it well first-up but I would prefer a drying track for her. FLYING THINKER (12) is fit and well, has a nice racing style, and is sure to be thereabouts again.
Thomas: OH DIAMOND LIL (6) was very good when resuming at Scone and will only be improved by the run. Talented mare who is building an impressive record. FEDERER (14) is a big threat. He looks very good in his debut preparation earlier in the season and his recent trial was super. FLYING THINKER (12) is consistent and she enjoys these track conditions. SPANISH FOX (2) has drawn off the track but he's working his way back to winning form.
ðŸ'Ž Oh Diamond Lil gets the perfect run and wins at Scone! @KPMcEvoy | @DavidPfieffer pic.twitter.com/L8AM0u5DwG
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025
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Dufficy: I'm leaning to GREBENI (6). He had excuses in the Scone Cup after being held-up and won't be far off them early from barrier one. COOL JAKEY (9) loves it soft, should get a cosy lead and is well-weighted with the claim. He will be hard to catch for sure. QUIETNESS (14) is a huge query. She's a well-performed import with a very good record and I liked her recent trial. NELLIE LEYLAX (15) was very good at his Aussie debut and might have more to offer.
Thomas: COOL JAKEY (9) split HOLLYWOOD HERO (12) and NELLIE LEYLAX (15) when they ran the trifecta over this course and distance two weeks ago and the trio clash again here. Cool Jakey meets his two rivals much better at the weights this time and he gets his chance. Nellie Leylax was very good at his Australian debut and should only be improved by the run. LOCH EAGLE (3) wasn't beaten far at Scone first-up, this is easier, he races well this track and enjoys heavy ground. Hollywood Hero is another at home in very wet conditions.
Hollywood Hero takes the inside alley and wins well at Randwick! ðŸ'� @BBakerRacing @djgibbons22 pic.twitter.com/yZt4dSc3Og
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
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Dufficy: IN FLIGHT (4) is just so reliable on wet tracks so it's hard to go against her. She is very consistent at this level. KAZOU (12) might want it a touch further but her fresh form on soft tracks catches the eye. CONTEMPORARY (3) was on the wrong part of the track first-up and I want to forgive him for that unplaced run. He can race closer from the good draw and could surprise. THE NOVELIST (7) was great first-up but has to be taken on trust with no wet track experience.
Thomas: IN FLIGHT (4) 's excellent wet track form jumps off the page at you – six starts on heavy tracks for four wins. She's in top form after her breakthrough stakes success at Doomben and this race sets up well for her. THE NOVELIST (7) makes his own luck on speed and if he handles the heavy going he will be hard to catch. FIRE STAR (8) indicated a return to winning form is imminent with his good effort at Scone and BRUDENELL (1) is always competitive at this level.
In Flight finds clear air to win the Magic Millions Bright Shadow for @PrideRacing! ✈� pic.twitter.com/PM0ulDDrq7
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025
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Dufficy: WHINCHAT (2) is very genuine and he was great first-up after having 14 months off. That should bring him on nicely for this race. HEADLEY GRANGE (11) rarely disappoints fresh and always gives a good sight. He should be close up. SHADIZI (9) is a lightly-raced French import who appears to have plenty of talent and should be monitored very closely. FLEETWOOD (17) should go better on a softer track.
Thomas: HEADLEY GRANGE (11) is giving away race fitness to his rivals but he didn't have long off after his very good summer preparation when he won twice and ran second three times in as many starts. He's trialling well, handles soft-heavy conditions, and invariably races well fresh. He ticks all the boxes. WHINCHAT (2) was super at Scone first-up and he is going to give these something to chase. TESTATOR SILENS (19) will be charging home and PEREILLE (5) is another good wet-tracker.
WHAT A FINISH! 😮
The Instructor wins on the line to beat Whinchat in the Luskin Star Stakes! 🙌 @GaiWaterhouse1 pic.twitter.com/zv6EIFg0dn
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025
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Dufficy: STORM THE RAMPARTS (4) is fit and well, he's a last start track and distance winner, and he should tough it out well from the inside draw again. Not a lot went right for TANGLEWOOD (1) first-up in a solid race at Scone but his trials prior to that were great so I have to give him another chance. WINNING PROPOSAL (10) was a little flat second-up on that very heavy track so she is more than capable of turning it around here. GITALONG (6) 's two runs for the new stable are acceptable and I can't rule him out.
Thomas: I'm giving WINNING PROPOSAL (10) another chance. I thought she could win last time but your points were well made Ronnie – she was second-up on a very heavy track and had excuses. Her first-up effort was very good and she's a smart filly on her day. STORM THE RAMPARTS (4) has to be the main danger on his tough last start effort. GITALONG (6) is racing well and don't be surprised if SIR RAVANELLI (2), who excels on wet tracks, is charging home at big odds.
Storm The Ramparts leads from start to finish and wins at Randwick! ðŸ'Œ
Hippo gets his double! ✌� @PrideRacing pic.twitter.com/BY5yFVTQip
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
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Dufficy: JOLIESTAR (10) looks the one to beat now. She's had a soft trial after a seven-week freshen and now this track is drying out she comes right into play. GIGA KICK (1) did more than enough first-up after a long break and he will go better here. KIMOCHI (11) should produce a nice Stradbroke trial from the inner draw doing no work. Benedetta's recent weight-for-age runs have merit and the drier conditions are in her favour.
Thomas: KIMOCHI (11) appeals at double figure odds. She's an underrated mare who will get the perfect run from her good gate and should be very competitive. JOLIESTAR (10) is good enough to overcome her wide draw and the drying track is in her favour. GIGA KICK (1) is an outstanding sprinter on his day and he improves the further he gets into a preparation. PAYLINE (6) will be hitting the line strongly.
Joliestar returns with a bang! That was arrogant 😳 @cwallerracing @mcacajamez pic.twitter.com/PJd0XxfDtb
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 24, 2024
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Dufficy: I know she has a horrible racing style but MOVIN OUT (3) is very talented, she just lacks a bit of race sense. Her run in the lead-up, The Roses, was outstanding and hopefully she can settle a little closer here and charge over the top of them. JENNI'S MEADOW (6) produced a run as good as Movin Out last start. BENAGIL (1) has a better draw and deserves plenty of respect. The local PHILIA (2) has done nothing wrong but has plenty of work to do early from that wide draw.
Thomas: PHILIA (2) is aiming for five wins in succession and comes out of her very good effort in The Roses. She's going to be in this for a long way. CHURCHILL'S CHOICE (4) was never on the track last start and still ran competitively. She's the forgotten filly. SHE'S A DEALER (13) stays strongly and LET'S FLY (11) enjoyed the heavy track at Randwick last start but her win was still very good.
. @KPMcEvoy guides Philia to victory in The Roses for @vandykeracing13! pic.twitter.com/Y24NJjvqxC
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
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Dufficy: BELLE DETELLE (17) had a small setback but has recovered during the week and I'm happy to go with her on a drier track but just needs luck from the wide draw. LAVALIER (6) was great in the SA Derby after doing early work. PARTY CRASHER (13) is a lightly-raced horse with a turn of speed and he looks to have staying talent. POLITELY DUN (7) could be the dark horse coming off different form.
Thomas: I went wide last week with EXISTENTIAL BOB (15) and I'll stick with him although I'd be more confident on a wet track. I know he's a $34 chance but he's learned how to win, he can stay, and will make his own luck racing on speed. At the odds, he's worth the gamble. KING OF THUNDER (4) is a promising young stayer and LAVALIER (6) will run the trip right out. BELLE DETELLE (17) has drawn off the track but stays under notice.
@LaneDamian in the saddle for @cwallerracing! ðŸ'� @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/jMQA7DbJEO
April 5, 2025