Australian horse racing picks for Royal Randwick, April 17

All good things must come to an end, and that’s the case for the Sydney Autumn Carnival tonight. Royal Randwick plays host to the final day of the carnival, with a bumper nine-race card, which features six stakes races and two group 1 contests.

The weather has been kind, and unlike the last few weeks, racing should be on a soft (bordering good) track. A lot of horses have been struggling a little under the wet footing, so those horses will get their chance on a much drier surface tonight.

Between races at Randwick, BetAmerica horseplayers will also be able to enjoy racing from three other tracks Down Under tonight, including Doomben, Kembla Grange, and Ascot.

Here are some picks for the two group 1 races at Randwick, along with a bonus value selection in one of the earlier races.

Race 5 (Champagne Stakes): #1 King’s Legacy

This 2-year-old colt ran a career-best race when he won the Inglis Sires’ (G1) at Randwick two weeks ago. He spotted the leader a big start in the straight, but reeled off some of the fastest sectionals of the day to get the job done.

That race was over 7 furlongs, whereas this race is at a mile, but the way he ran past the finish suggests the extra furlong won’t be a problem. From a good gate, he should settle just off the speed and be ready to pounce when jockey Hugh Bowman pushes the button.

Race 7 (All Aged Stakes): #11 Bivouac

This Godolphin runner blew the start at his last run in the TJ Smith (G1) and was playing catch up all the way home. He recovered from the slow beginning to record the fastest final three furlongs of the day and motored home along the fence, on a heavy track, to finish sixth.

Bowman also has the ride on Bivouac, and with a better start, he’ll be able to be more positive on him. He will definitely appreciate the extra furlong, too. Tonight’s distance is the same trip of the Golden Rose (G1) at Rosehill, his last group 1 win.

Race 4 (Frank Packer Plate): #10 Relucent

At 18-1 on the morning line, this is the value selection of the night.

Last start, he was forced extremely wide around the home turn, but stuck on well and wasn’t disgraced when he finished four lengths behind the winner, Quick Thinker. Quick Thinker went on to win the Australian Derby (G1), and will be starting this race as the 2-1 favorite.

With some gear changes, a firmer track, and a better run, Relucent can improve greatly, and I expect him to run a huge race at huge odds.

Good luck!

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