Randwick Preview & Best Bets – 17/01/2024

Randwick Tips for Wednesday, January 17

Our form expert provides Randwick tips for today’s horse racing on the Kensington course and gives his best bets.

BEST BET 🏆

Race 7:  No.12  THE BLACK CLOUD  ($3.65 with BoomBet)

Joe Pride saddles-up THE BLACK CLOUD here who was super impressive on debut and looks poised to go on with it here today. Last start, the Shamus Award filly came off several trials when she made her first appearance at Gosford and turned plenty of heads in the process. She sat outside the leader on settling and soon after straightening, Jay Ford asked her for more where she just went whoosh, and eased over the final 50m, she crossed the line two lengths clear of the pack. This is a step-up in class as she faces her first city challenge but a repeat of that maiden performance will see her very hard to beat here.

NEXT BEST 🥈

Race 5:  No.1  CADETSHIP  ($5 with Bet Right) 

The Dynamic Duo (of Chris Waller and James McDonald) combine here with CADETSHIP who is third-up today and sporting a gear change, looks set for victory today. Last start, the Merchant Navy gelding was second-up when he took home third prize in a BM78 over 1500m, here on the main track. From gate five, he should settle better than mid-field today. Both career-wins to date have come on wet tracks so conditions look ideal for him here. Waller puts the blinkers on the four-year-old for the first time as he drops in grade today. Already a winner when third-up, J.Mac should get the best from him in this contest.

BEST VALUE 💰 

Race 4:  No.4  UTOPIAN WINE  ($8 with Picklebet)

The Chris Waller-trained UTOPIAN WINE is in great touch after three starts this preparation and with conditions to suit here, looks a real chance at odds today. Last start, the Pierro filly came off a solid win in BM64 company at Gosford when she tackled city-class gallopers at Canterbury and did well to take home third prize against similar company, beaten a tick over a length on the line. Tommy Berry was aboard for both rides and sticks with her for this contest. Up against her own sex today, she draws well in gate two and maps to settle better than mid-field. Rock-hard fit today, she looks in the mix here.