NEXT UP

I see no reason to be against Marquess as the best of the day here and while he'll be plenty popular, I just think he'll prove too good for what is a very similar field again. The sectionals say he probably should've beaten Howgoodareyou two back and he atoned with a very soft win last start at Rosehill when backed into $2.45.

He's up 7lbs in the weights now but we've seen Pierossa (2nd) come out of that race and beat Mission Phoenix and Queenmaker who are in this race again and should set up a strong enough tempo.

The draw probably isn't as soft as it was last start for Marquess but 1 1⁄4 m at Randwick looks right up his alley and of all the horses in this race, he's got the most upside as well as the clear best last start rating.

Four weeks between runs but a mid-prep trial looks like a nice platform and I'd be surprised if anything can turn the tables. He's no huge spoil at close to even money but I think he'll be winning again and $2.20 with bet365 is fair.

For the value play I'm going to the Five Diamond Prelude, Race 8 which looks a competitive affair. Siding with the Victorian form here in St Lawrence who is a bit interesting at the $15 mark, with bet365 leading the market.

His median starting price in Australia is $1.90 and his mean is $3.05. The shine has come off him a bit in his past two but he did still run to 109 under the 134lbs last start and now drops 11lbs, up to 7 1⁄2 f from a beautiful draw. The market obviously has a strong opinion of him and it wouldn't shock to see him measure up against this sort of company. It also helps that the first and third favourites are Waller horses likely to get a long way back again whereas St Lawrence should be in the first six.

bet365 SYDNEY SPECIALS

Bet of the day: Race 4 #6 Marquess @ $2.20 with bet365*

Each-way play: Race 8 #10 St Lawrence @ $15 with bet365*

*Odds correct as of 1:15pm, 19/10/23

And over at Caulfield, bet365 have a range of specials this Saturday, including: 

Jockey Mega Boost– Jamie Kah to ride 1+ winners at Caulfield (Saturday) – was $1.83 boosted to $3.00 (boost prices available from 10am Saturday – prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)

Horse Mega Boost – Race 2 Caulfield – Riff Rocket to win – was $1.50 boosted to $2.20 (boost prices available from 10am Saturday – prices subject to change/singles only/max stakes apply/eligible customers only)