Randwick Preview & Best Bets – 17/02/2024

Randwick Tips for Saturday, February 17

Our form expert provides Randwick tips for Saturday’s horse racing at Randwick Racecourse and gives his best bets.

BEST BET 🏆

Race 1:  No.2  SWITZERLAND  

The Chris Waller-trained SWITZERLAND made it look easy on debut and looks set to remain unbeaten in this contest. Last start, the Snitzel colt made his first appearance in a 1000m two-year-old event on this track and clobbered his rivals that day, crossing the line almost three lengths in advance of the 10-strong field. James McDonald is the new pilot for this assignment and even fitter after that big win, he will take beating here.

NEXT BEST 🥈

Race 6:  No.2  SEMANA 

The Ciaron Maher-trained SEMANA is high flying this time in and looks all set for another top-class performance here. Last start, the Winning Rupert mare destroyed them in the Magic Millions Cup over 1400m at the Gold Coast. Jumping from gate 13 (of 17), she settled better than mid-field but three-wide (without cover) to the turn where she gradually reeled in the leaders, then left them all to fight out the minors as she crossed the line two lengths clear on the end. That was a big performance from a wide gate. Jason Collett steers the ship here and from a better gate (5) and a much smaller field, she looks hard to hold out in this contest.

BEST VALUE 💰 

Race 9:  No.5  ESTADIO MESTALLA

The (early) market suggests this could be a race in four as we run with the Joe Pride-trained ESTADIO MESTALLA who is in top-shelf form this preparation and looks a solid chance of back-to-back victories in this contest. Last start, the Galileo Gold gelding was third-up when he fought like a caged tiger to survive the challenges and take out a BM88 over 1500m at Rosehill. With Jason Collett aboard, he took over inside the final 200m and then fought off the swoopers to remain in charge and out-sprinted them to the line. At his peak here after three runs back now, he draws ideally in gate two and maps to be parked just behind the speed. A clear run to the line and he should prove hard to hold out here.