TOP TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

IS WINX THE GREAT RACEHORSE OF ALL TIME?

BOWMAN: ‘IT IS GOING TO BE ONE HELLUVA RACE’

ROYAL RANDWICK

Track: Good (4); Weather: Clearing, 30C

RACE 6: AUSTRALIAN OAKS (2400m)

3YOF G1, 2.25pm

In the run: Hiyaam finds the fence for Michael Dee and lands where she wants. Contessa Vanessa is the only other one with history of racing on the pace. Chilly Cha Cha can be handy.

Take note: Unforgotten (super sectionals) and Aloisia (not much luck back in the field) were best of the rest behind Hiyaam in the Vinery but no sure thing they will be better at 2400m.

Did you know: Hiyaam is bred to be a Classic winner. Her sire High Chaparral won the English Derby and her mum Mazarine is a three-quarter sister to AJC Derby winners Octagonal and Don Eduardo. She ran quicker time/sectional than Tulloch/Derby winner Levendi on the same day last time and could improve further, as she was only second-up that day. Easily the best backed runner here.

Early money: The last two winners of this came off the NZ Oaks, so giving huge respect to Savvy Coup, who has been specked from $8 with Ladbrokes.

NATHAN’S TIP: HIYAAM $4.60

NATHAN’S DANGER: Savvy Coup $7.50

RACE 8: SYDNEY CUP (3200m)

3YO+ G1, 3.45pm

In the run: Cismontane takes it up from three. Aloft and Lasqueti Spirit should cross from wider out. Almandin, Ventura Storm not far away.

Take note: Seven of the past 10 winners of this have come through the Chairman’s. Sir Charles Road and Ventura Storm gapped their rivals in that race last week. Ventura is having fourth run in as many weeks.

Did you know: Almandin is only the fourth Melbourne Cup winner to run in this in the past 20 years. Attempts to emulate Makybe Diva as the winner of both races. The five behind him in the Tancred all meet him better, including Who Shot Thebarman, who makes his fifth attempt on this race.

Early money: The Japanese runner Pre Stwick is the big query. Hasn’t been far away in some big Japanese races. Any market moves will be interesting.

NATHAN’S TIP: SIR CHARLES ROAD $6.50

NATHAN’S DANGER: Ventura Storm $10

RACE 9: COOLMORE LEGACY STAKES (1600m)

F&M WFA G1, 4.25pm

In the run: Prompt Response finds the fence easily. Pressure will come from Spanish Reef and Daysee Doom from wider draws. Silent Sedition and Aide Memoire also roll forward.

Take note: This has been run four times at Randwick, with two blowout results kicking it off. Giving Abbey Marie a chance at the big odds here. Should have tested Hartnell fresh and that’s good enough form for this if Mick Kent has her right.

Did you know: The filly Foxplay won this last year coming off the Vinery Stud Stakes. Alizee does the same this year. Didn’t run the trip out there and prior to that had no luck in the Coolmore. Career best came over the Randwick mile.

Early money: Silent Sedition ($6) has nearly halved her opening quote and is now challenging Randwick specialist Dixie Blossoms for favouritism.

NATHAN’S TIP: ALIZEE $9.50

NATHAN’S DANGER: Abbey Marie $21

RACE 10: SAPPHIRE STAKES (1200m)

F&M SWP G2, 5.05pm

In the run: Doesn’t look huge speed, so Quilista should cross quite easily. White Moss and Lubiton will be handy. Fragonard and Faraway Town try to get in from sticky draws.

Take note: Lubiton bolted in first-up in lesser grade last prep then went all the way through to being a Group 3 winner at Moonee Valley. Her two trials in prep for this have been excellent and she’s going to get a great run near the speed for Blake Shinn.

Did you know: Raiment struck trouble and didn’t see it out in the Coolmore. Now freshened back to the sprint trip. Previous run was good where she was competitive with Dixie Blossoms at this track. Her best is easily good enough for this.

Early money: Quilista ($4.80) and Sugar Bella ($5) are battling for favouritism after fighting out the last on Slipper day. They are both flying, but this is another step up for both of them.

NATHAN’S TIP: LUBITON $18

NATHAN’S DANGER: Raiment $12