Thriving UK import JUST FINE dominates the betting for the $750,000 Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) this Saturday at Randwick racecourse, Australia.
The Gai Waterhouse, Adrian Bott-trained former UK stayer has been incredibly dynamic in two Australian starts, securing two easy wins since making his local debut in early September. First-up, JUST FINE kicked clear by over 2.5 lengths over the mile before repeating the dose second-up, winning the G3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) by a decisive margin.
Appearing well-placed for this weekend’s 2400m race, the market seems to agree, pricing JUST FINE a short-priced favourite. The only other two runners with single-figure odds is the enigmatic Benaud, runner-up to JUST FINE last start, and trainer Chris Waller’s Irish import, Mr Waterville, who is third-up in Australia.
Kovalica ticks boxes in The Epsom
The $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) sees a big field vie for Group 1 glory and there are plenty of chances.
Trainer Chris Waller teams up with champion jockey Joao Moreira with four-year-old gelding KOVALICA, who ticks plenty of boxes. KOVALICA remains unbeaten from two starts when second-up, and he races second-up in the Epsom, while he is three from three over the mile and loves a dry track, with five wins from six. The former Queensland Derby winner appears on target to fight it out.
KOVALICA has drawn a good gate in the field upwards of 20 starters and should be in the right spot for the ‘Magic Man’ when the whips are cracking.
