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5 September: 2020 Chelmsford Stakes Day Randwick Tips & Preview

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Fri 4th September 2020

It’s a big day of racing lined up in Sydney, headlined by dual Group 2s, the 2020 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) and the 2020 Tramway Stakes (1400m), as well as the return of The Everest favourite Nature Strip.

Let’s have a look at the most interesting contests on the card:

Race 3 – Benchmark 72 (1300m)

Some really progressive types going around here, headlined by Archanna, who flew home last start after spotting them 8.7 lengths.

Also in the Arrowfield colours is Petronius, who put together a very solid winter campaign and looks ready to go from a recent trial.

Keep an eye out for Waller pair Sauvestre and Giovanna Run, as well as Godolphin’s Raison D’etre.

Verdict: At $8, Petronius looks like the most value in the market in a race with plenty of talent.

Watch: Archanna flash down the outside from a long way back last start.

Race 4 – Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m)

We see the return of Nature Strip here, overwhelming favourite at $1.40. Gytrash ($3.70) beat Nature Strip first up over the 1000m in the Lightning Stakes in the autumn, but will need lightning to strike twice for it to happen again.

If Nature Strip is ever going to be vulnerable it is now, first up, but I’m keen to just watch this one go around.

Verdict: Nature Strip ($1.40) to win, but staying out at the short price.

Race 6 – Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m)

I think these fillies in Sydney are better than the crop in Melbourne at the moment, led by Chris Waller’s Hungry Heart. She looks a very good starting point here, and tough to beat.

At odds, I think Stellar Pauline ($11) and Chianti ($15) look the best of them, and I’d be happy to have smaller plays on them as well as Hungry Heart ($2.90)

Verdict: I’ll be backing Hungry Heart ($2.90), and having smaller plays on Stellar Pauline ($11) and Chianti ($16) at the double figures.

Watch: Hungry Heart get the best of Stellar Pauline in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes in the autumn.

Race 7 – Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m)

Waller dominates the field here, with a strong hand of nine runners. His best chance looks to be Mister Sea Wolf ($5.50) who has been strongly supported in from $8.50.

There are a stack of returning stayers here that I’m not too keen to back here, as well as co-favourite Avilius ($5), who I’ll need to see here after a disappointing autumn. At his best he’s a massive danger.

Angel Of Truth ($5) is the other favourite who looks improved in the Hawkes’ camp, but looks short enough on a dry track, with most of his success coming on wet decks.

If pushed into a bet, I’d be looking at Zebrowski ($7.50), who ran on well in the Winx Stakes, and looks set to improve second up with added fitness and the addition of Brenton Avdulla.

Verdict: Not too keen on betting heavily here, but Zebrowski ($7.50) is my pick at the price.

Watch: Zebrowski motor home late after settling last first up in the Group 1 Winx Stakes.

Race 8 – Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m)

Another tough one with some exciting runners. J Mac’s comments on Reloaded have interested the market, with the Waller runner being nibbled into $8 after opening at double figures.

I’m very interested to see Australian Oaks winner Colette ($9) and dual Group 2 winner Dragon Leap ($14) go around here, and think they’re set for big preparations.

Looks Like Elvis ($10) ran up a wall of backsides last start and could run well at big odds, with Dreamforce ($4.40) the rock hard fit on pace runner that will take a power of beating.

Verdict: I’m staying out here, but will be watching Dragon Leap ($14), Colette ($9), and Reloaded ($8) with great interest.

Watch: Colette take out the Group 1 Australian Oaks in style.

From Muswellbrook to the Melbourne Cup, Will is mad about all things racing and sport. Spent countless hours in the backyard as a child pretending to be Glenn McGrath, and has been known to get deadly late swing with a taped tennis ball.

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