The wait is finally over, Group 1 racing is back! The Winx Stakes headlines a cracking card at Randwick on Saturday, we just need to get through the meeting on a Heavy 10. Nevertheless, here’s a few value runners that should handle the wet going that will be a good fit for your Showdown ticket!
Leg 2: Randwick R7 #3 Manaal
Of course, Autumn Glow is going to take plenty of beating, but for the sake of the Showdown, there’s value outside of her, and that’s with Group 1 winner Manaal. She won the ATC Sires’ at Group 1 level at this track on a Heavy 8 as a 2YO beating the boys, and looks to be back in terrific order after a really stylish trial win a fortnight ago on a Heavy 9. She can at least pick up some place points, if not cause a mini upset first-up.
Leg 4: Moonee Valley R5 #8 Redders
He was beaten by a subsequent Group 3 winner in Jimmy Recard two starts ago, before leading all the way to win at Geelong at his next start. Drawn low in barrier two, he can bounce in front and give a kick off the corner, giving his rivals something to run down at big odds.
Leg 5: Randwick R8 #7 War Eternal
If there’s a rough to spoil the party in the first Group 1 of the season, it might be War Eternal for Bjorn Baker. Baker won this race with a $31 shot six years ago, and he’ll be looking to repeat the dose with this fit galloper who won seven days ago on a heavy track. The quick back-up going from one heavy track to another is often a successful formula, so at $26 he might be worth including in one of your tickets.
Leg 12: Moonee Valley R9 #4 Bossy Nic
She ran really well first-up at Flemington in a Group 3 behind King Of Roseau, so she should find the class drop useful. While she does have to carry a big weight, Luke Cartwright’s claim is useful as he’ll take 3kg off. She’s a winner second-up, and has placed in her sole run at this track, which was in a Group 3 over this track and trip.
Here’s hoping we can hit the ground running with a few nice value plays on the first Group 1 day of the season. Good luck in your Showdown!