Group 1 racing is back in a big way this Saturday, headlined by one of the most anticipated clashes of the early spring as Autumn Glow takes on Sheza Alibi in the Winx Stakes at Randwick. There are four strong supporting features on the Randwick card, while the Carlyon Stakes provides the highlight at Sandown. Here are the key runners and early market movers.
Randwick R5 — Premier's Cup (G3) · 2000m · 2:00pm
Boniface looks ready to atone after enduring a luckless run last start when he arguably should have won. Matusalem has returned in excellent order and narrowly missed over 1800m last start, while Caloundra Cup winner Thebudgiesmugla brings strong staying form back to 2000m.
Market: no significant moves since opening.
Randwick R6 — Toy Show Quality (G3) · 1100m · 2:35pm
Prima Bella is flying after consecutive Randwick victories and gets another ideal opportunity from just off the speed. Savvy Hallie has trialled strongly ahead of her return, while Apocalyptic, Stardom and last-start winner Gatwick add plenty of depth.
Market mover: Prima Bella has been well supported from $5.50 into $4.50.
Randwick R7 — Silver Shadow Stakes (G2) · 1200m · 3:15pm
A fascinating clash of three-year-old fillies, with unbeaten Cherry Bomshell returning after finishing her first campaign with three straight wins, including the Percy Sykes. Pembrey resumes from the Golden Slipper, while Bangkok Hottie, Screen Icon and several other lightly raced fillies make this a strong early spring guide.
Market mover: Global Goal has attracted significant support from $20 into $12.
Randwick R8 — Show County Quality (G3) · 1200m · 3:50pm
Group 1 Sires' Produce winner Campione D'Italia makes his much-anticipated return after establishing himself among last season's best two-year-olds. Carbonados arrives off a strong Rosehill victory, while Aviatress, Enriched and noted fresh performer Disneck are all capable of figuring.
Market movers: Midnight In Tokyo has firmed from $11 into $7, while Infancy has been backed from $23 into $14.
Randwick R9 — Winx Stakes (G1) · 1400m · 4:30pm
The race of the day and potentially one of the clashes of the spring. Autumn Glow has lost just once in her career and is unbeaten from four first-up runs, but she faces a huge test against brilliant mare Sheza Alibi, who was breathtaking last preparation. Chris Waller has eight runners, including Aeliana and Autumn Boy, while Ceolwulf adds further Group 1 quality.
Market mover: Sheza Alibi has been strongly backed from $3.40 into $3.00.
Sandown R7 — Carlyon Stakes (G3) · 1000m · 4:10pm
Cavalry Girl is chasing consecutive victories after another strong front-running performance at Caulfield Heath and should take catching despite the rise in weight. Hedged has an excellent fresh record, while Extragalactic should be charging late and Beast Mode gets the services of Blake Shinn.
Market mover: Beast Mode has been the big firmer, backed from $11 into $7.50.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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