Randwick Epsom Handicap Preview

The feature race of a big day at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday is the Racingnetwork.com.au Epsom Handicap over 1600m. Favourites have a terrible record in the EPSOM, with just one favourite (Racing to win in 2006) saluting since 1996. A lot is dependent upon the weather, as there's a big chance of a downpour on Saturday.

Here's how we rate the field's chances.

1. Sincero

A Stradbroke Winner and a last start George Main Stakes winner. Is still a query over 1600m in my opinion. Has drawn barrier 1 but trainer Stephen Farley says he doesn't like racing inside other horses. Although the top weight with 57kg, he is only 4.5kg over the minimum. Has 11 wins from 15 starts.

2. Sacred Choice

Has been racing terribly lately, with blinkers too. Based on current form and the gate (17), you can't back her – even if the rain comes.

3. Triple Elegance

Raced much better last start but has to improve on his Randwick record of seven starts for four minor placings, and zero wins. Gets a 3.5kg turnaround on Sincero, and has drawn a better gate. A chance.

5. Thankgodyourhere

Had a very strong win in the Bill Ritchie Handicap, but that race has always been a bad form reference to the Epsom. From barrier 2 he'll get a cosy run to run the trip, but I still query him over a strong 1600m.

6. Pinker Pinker

Racing in outstanding form, with Kings Rose only nosing her out in the Stock Stakes. A definite danger, but is short. Drawn ideally in barrier 5.

7. Secret Admirer

Has an explosive turn of foot, but they'll need to run along for her to show her best. Drawn wide, and apparent lack of speed will bring about her undoing.

8. Red Tracer

Loves the wet conditions, but is a query over 1600m. Likes to have her races spaced but is jumping from 1350 to 1600m in four weeks; not the natural progression. Light weight with a massive chance if the storms fall.

9. Foreteller

Interesting runner who won three in a row til fifth last start behind Master of Design, after dropping back in distance by 500m. Has a good finish, good barrier, and great jockey in Corey Brown. One of the main chances.

10. Pinnacles

Racing with great heart and returns to Randwick after competing in the 2008/09 Doncasters. Has drawn an ideal gate. Another chance.

11. Red Colossus

Been racing at WFA lately and drops to 52.5kg with Christian Reith aboard. Will need some luck from barrier 14, but is a good show at odds.

12. More Strawberries

Resumed with a  first-up win at Newcastle. Has won second-up in the past, but will struggle being a four-year-old mare in this company.

13. King Lionheart

Will be leading the race for a long time. Outgunned them in the Shannon last start. Is racing very consistently this season.

14. Raspberries

Cameron Handicap winner at last start, holding off Light Brigade. Down in the weights, drawn ideally and has improvement in him.

15. Willy Jimmy

Great record at the mile, but not at this level.

16. Dealer Principal

You have to question the trainer's tactics and ambitions in starting the horse in the race. Was first-up over 1400m after 10 months off, then second-up was over 2000m. Now back to 1600m. The rank outsider in the field.

17. Light Brigade

Great run in the Cameron after settling midfield. Should boot forward from the wide barrier and be in the finish. A strong each-way option.

18. Renewed Vitality

Racing very consistently lately, but is way out of his depth here.

Top Pick – Light Brigade
Next Best – Red Colossus
Lay of the Race – Sincero