Australian racing picks for Royal Randwick on Epsom Handicap Day

BetAmerica horseplayers are in for an absolute treat tonight with one of the biggest night’s on the Australian racing calendar set to take place at Royal Randwick, racing headquarters in Sydney.

The time-honored Group 1 Epsom Handicap is the feature race on the card, and it will be supported by a total of seven Group races, including the Group 1 Flight Stakes and the Group 1 Metropolitan.

Here are a couple of horses I like at Randwick, and a bonus selection at Eagle Farm, one of the four other venues available for BetAmerica players wagering on Australian racing tonight.

Royal Randwick Race 6: No. 2 Classique Legend

Trainer Les Bridge has declared this horse the best he has ever trained, and considering he’s been training for more than 50 years, that’s a pretty big statement!

The locally trained gelding resumed from a 15-week layoff with a very impressive win in the Group 2 The Shorts a couple of weeks ago, which was his second straight win at Randwick.

The extra half-furlong will suit tonight, and he is a previous winner over the track and trip.

The danger is the odds-on favorite, No. 1 Nature Strip, but I honestly think Classique Legend has his measure. I would much prefer to take the 5/2 on offer about Classique Legend, too!

Royal Randwick Race 7: No. 12 Funstar

A huge field of 20 (before scratches) lines up for the Epsom Handicap, run over the famous Randwick mile.

I’m keen on one at odds in the form of No. 12 Funstar. Jockey Glen Boss lives for these big carnival days! He’s won four Epsoms and they call him the "King of the Randwick Mile" since he's also had a lot of success in other Group 1 races over the distance at Randwick, including the Doncaster Handicap in the autumn.

"Bossy" won the race last year aboard Kolding for trainer Chris Waller, and I think the pair can combine again.

Funstar worked well to the line in a Group 2 race last start and has the jockey to help her overcome a wide barrier.

Eagle Farm Race 1: No. 2 Headlander

This is a field of 2-year-old first starters and I like Headlander at those attractive 8/1 morning line odds.

He looked impressive winning a barrier trial at Doomben just last week. He’s nicely bred and comes from a stable that has plenty of success with juvenile horses.

That’s it for tonight, but if you’re looking ahead to Saturday night, I’m keen on Hobart Race 1 No. 1 Galenus, who is hunting for four straight wins.

Good luck!