Australian racing picks for Royal Randwick on Spring Champion Day

BetAmerica horseplayers are in for a treat tonight, as Group 1 racing continues Down Under.

The 3-year-olds are the focus at Royal Randwick this evening, with the running of the Spring Champion (G1) contested over 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles). The first race of the nine-race card is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.

Doomben, Kembla Grange, and the Gold Coast are the other venues available for BetAmerica players Friday night. Two venues from New Zealand, Hawera and Matamata, ensure it will be a busy night of racing action from Down Under.

Here are some picks for the big meeting at Royal Randwick, otherwise known as racing headquarters in Australia’s biggest city, Sydney.

Race 1: #10 Tempel One

Despite a horrid run in transit last start, this 3-year-old from the Paul Messara barn knuckled down to the task in the stretch and was extremely strong to the wire.

The keys to his chances tonight are a better post position and the addition of experienced jockey, Tommy Berry. The additional half-furlong will also play to his advantage.

He should start around 7-2, so fingers crossed we can kick off the card with a winner!

Race 4: #12 Quintessa

A 4-year-old mare who has hit the board in seven of her 10 starts, Quintessa should also appreciate the step up in trip tonight.

She opened her campaign with a win and followed that up with a second, behind Badoosh, in a race at Rosehill Gardens that has since proved to be a strong form reference.

I’m loving those 8-1 morning-line odds!

Race 7 (Spring Champion, G1): #15 Favreau

Favreau reeled off some of the fastest sectionals when he flashed home for fourth in the Gloaming (G3) at Rosehill last time out.

The winner of that race was Love Tap, who is the 3-1 favorite for this event. Favreau’s closing run saw him finish only two lengths behind Love Tap, and he is 40-1 on the morning line!

Favreau is going to relish the extra furlong tonight and trainer John Sargent certainly knows how to train a stayer. I think he represents tremendous value.

Best of luck if you’re having a punt Down Under tonight!