Scholtz's Say
Today's Randwick Preview with Chris Scholtz: 12th July 2025
Selections and best bets from Chris Scholtz for the Randwick meeting on July 12 plus Trial Watch and Blackbook runners.
Best Bets
RACE 5 – (2) PIGGYBACK: Strong mare has been in good form since resuming, winning first-up over 1300m at Warwick Farm followed by close thirds over 1600m and 1800m at Randwick and Rosehill. Last time she would have beaten Misterkipchoge at Rosehill, with her stablemate Federer fourth, if she had received a clear crack from the 400m as she hesitated to take a run at a vital stage. She's a winner over 2000m at Randwick and with Braith Nock sticking as her rider she's favourably weighted with his claim as she meets both those rivals on 1.5kg better terms.
RACE 9 – (10) IT'S A KNOCKOUT: Lightly raced Dundeel mare has shown good potential from the time she won her first start 12 months ago with her classy first-up win over 1400m at this course on June 21 a firm indicator that she is poised to rise to higher levels. She coasted to win by four lengths, a margin that flattered her rivals, and should have no trouble taking the step up in class with top apprentice Braith Nock again giving her the advantage of his 2kg allowance. Her G3 placing over 1600m when second up at this track in the autumn reads well for this contest.
RACE 10 – (5) CHANGING COLOURS: Came off a run of minor placings in Victoria to win her Sydney debut over 1400m at Rosehill on June 28, keeping intact her perfect in the money record (3 wins, 6 placings) from her first nine starts. Having her first start for five weeks she responded to a patient ride from Jeff Penza to come from the back half and put away a similar field with ease, the highlight being her impressive sprint to the line over the last 200m. While she rises 2.5kg she meets the same class of fillies and mares and there's no reason she can't repeat with Jason Collett taking the mount.
Selections
RACE 1: (4) CROSSBOW; (3) Tomato Toastie; (6) Kokatahi; (2) Pillow Fight
RACE 2: (6) IN SUMMER; (14) Premise; (3) So You Are; (7) Red Rags To Bulls
RACE 3: (5) KINGSTON CHARM; (10) Callistemon; (2) Glad You Think So; (6) Aix En Provence
RACE 4: (11) CELERITY; (3) Livin' Thing; (6) Regimental Colours; (1) King's Secret
RACE 5: (2) PIGGYBACK; (3) Federer; (4) Misterkipchoge; (7) Bright Red
RACE 6: (10) PIPPIE BEACH; (3) Salt Lake City; (7) Promitto; (4) Zaphod
RACE 7: (8) CASSIEL; (3) Lulumon; (4) Avone; (5) Shall Be
RACE 8: (11) FIDDLERS GREEN; (8) Puntin; (16) Sly Boots; (4) Oh Diamond Lil
RACE 9: (10) IT'S A KNOCKOUT; (16) Getafix; (11) Mickey's Medal; (7) Razors
RACE 10: (5) CHANGING COLOURS; (3) Liberty State; (10) Slinky; (1) Captain Amelia
RACE 1 – (4) CROSSBOW: Impressive late work when resuming. Looks made for 1400m at Randwick.
RACE 2 – (6) IN SUMMER: Winner this course and distance. Ready to repeat after pleasing return at Newcastle.
RACE 3 - (5) KINGSTON CHARM: Has a habit of running well at good odds in this class. First up effort had plenty of merit.
RACE 4 – (11) CELERITY: Overdue maiden win last time. Sharp trial since has her ready to progress.
RACE 6 – (10) PIPPIE BEACH: Has been working up to this. Gets her chance with a 4kg drop in weight.
RACE 7 – (8) CASSIEL: Winning easily with high speed. Hard to run down with weight advantage.
RACE 8 – (11) FIDDLERS GREEN: Best late last time over 1400m. Favoured by extra trip against a similar field.
NOTED TRIAL RUNNERS – July 9-12
RANDWICK SATURDAY: Zenadeel (R1); Agita (R3); Celerity (R4)
CAULFIELD SATURDAY: Kallos (R8)
NEWCASTLE SATURDAY: Nullarbor Jane (R1); Southern Heiress (R2); Bella Wahine (R5)
NEWCASTLE TUESDAY: Firework (R2); Harry's Evidence (R2); Cellarmaster (R2); Say Yes (R3); The Pacific (R8)
RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Straand Beauty; Nazwah; Caesar; Infusion; Bev's Nine; Romeo's Choice; Rockbarton Max; Efharisto; Getafix; Axius; Raging Force; Mirai San; Dunleary; Herman Said; Sunday Tycoon; Big Papa; Just Awesome; Glorious Moments; Horseshoe Hill; Diddle Dumpling; World Alliance; Indefensible; Sapphire Rose; Aix En Provence; Headley Grange; Regimental Colours; Frosty Girl; Raging Force
TRIAL POINTERS
ROSEHILL July 4: Exceed and Excel filly CELERITY recorded her first win in six starts at Hawkesbury last month but most would know her record should read much better. She's in the right form to go on with it as she worked strongly through her 900m heat (55.45; 34.75). sitting three wide and working strongly to the line under a cold ride to finish second. Keen to follow in coming starts. HARRY'S EVIDENCE is a maiden worth following after a free running win in his 1020m heat (64.11; 35.60).
RANDWICK June 27: Runners that took the eye included NULLARBOR JANE. She had plenty to offer in her 740m heat.
CANTERBURY June 23: Unraced Bivouac youngster CELLARMASTER has been working up to his debut. This was his third trial with his work to win his 893m heat in the fastest time for the distance (54.83; 36.01) showing he is ready to go to the races. Trailed two fast leaders to the turn before coming to their outside and doing all that was required to reel them in under an easy ride.
ROSEHILL June 20: I can't remember when Godolphin's sharp Group sprinter KALLOS didn't trial well. He's a three time winner first-up and looks ready for another bold fresh run after cruising through his 900m heat for a soft win (55.41; 34.58).
BLACKBOOK RUNNERS – July 12
RANDWICK SATURDAY: Kingston Charm (R3); Kirkeby (R6); King Ratel (R8)
DOOMBEN SATURDAY: Boom Shot (R1)
CAULFIELD SATURDAY: Ruakaka Raider (R9)
BLACKBOOKERS
(Selected July 5 - Follow Next 3 Starts)
BENZOU; BUNKER HUT; DUCHESS ZOU; FIOPROSPERO; HABEEBAH; POWDER MAN; ROBUSTO; USEAPIN
RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Stay Silent; Fortunate Kiss; Sound It Out; Getafix; She's Unusual; Stylish; Terilee; Zaszou; Adiella; Shockletz; Oh Too Good; Splash Back, Salty Pearl; Bring Forth; Spione; The Inflictor; Sunshine In Paris; Mary Eliza; On Display; Gentileschi; Photograph; Charm Stone; Regal Azmon
Check out the latest South African News