Royal Randwick set its own rhythm on Saturday, 20th December, delivering a ten-race program that never eased and never softened. With most of the card carrying an identical $160,000 purse, the afternoon unfolded as a test of sustained intensity rather than selective brilliance. There were no easy spots and no races to concede. From the first jump to the final stride, trainers, jockeys, and horses were pulled into the same tempo, where execution mattered more than reputation and momentum had to be earned again and again. It was a meeting shaped by pressure, consistency, and the kind of competitive depth that turns every race into a showdown.
The day began with Race 1 – the TAB Plate, carrying $160,000, where Warwoven set the tone early. Ridden with confidence by Ms R King and prepared by Bjorn Baker, Warwoven surged clear to stop the clock at 57.36 seconds. Norman’s Cay chased gamely into second, while Hardanger completed the placings in third, as the meeting opened at a brisk tempo.
Momentum continued in Race 2 – the Midway Handicap for $120,000, where The Mona Lisa delivered a composed and telling performance. Under A J Calder and trained by Paul and Martha Cave, the winner proved too strong, crossing the line in 1:35.97. Perfect Justice claimed second, with Callistemon holding on for third.
Speed and grit took centre stage in Race 3 – the TAB Highway Handicap, also worth $120,000. Navy Buoy, partnered by T Berry and trained by Paul Snowden, showed admirable resolve to score in 1:36.24. Sacred Mistress finished strongly for second, while Off The Scale secured third in a tightly contested affair.
The tempo lifted again in Race 4 – the Macquarie St Social Handicap, offering $160,000, where Plaintiff produced a polished effort. With C Schofield in the saddle and Peter Snowden overseeing preparations, the winner stopped the clock at 1:16.59. Shady Road followed into second, while Big Papa rounded out the top three.
Class and consistency were on display in Race 5 – the Brave Smash @ Yarraman Park Handicap. Worth $160,000, the race went the way of Willie Oppa, expertly guided by J Collett and trained by Chris Waller. The winning time of 1:35.66 proved decisive, with Climb The Ladder finishing second and Full Hao taking third.
Stamina became the defining factor in Race 6 – the Schweppes Handicap, another $160,000 contest. Brave Call, ridden by T Berry for trainer Kris Lees, outstayed rivals to win in 2:32.00. King Pedro battled on for second, while War Ribbon completed the placings.
In Race 7 – the Asahi Super Dry Handicap, King’s Secret delivered one of the sharpest performances of the afternoon. Carrying $160,000 in prize money, the Joseph Pride-trained runner, ridden by Z T Lloyd, clocked 1:03.18 to claim victory. Zealously finished second, with Dollar Magic securing third.
Precision and timing were rewarded in Race 8 – the Toyota Forklifts Handicap, where Know Thyself emerged victorious. Guided by A Bullock and trained by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, the winner stopped the watch at 1:22.64. Sandpaper chased hard into second, while Gallant Star filled third place.
The late stages of the card brought heightened intensity in Race 9 – The Inglis Influence Handicap, worth $160,000. Amplify, partnered by T Clark and trained by Ciaron Maher, proved strongest in the run home, recording a time of 1:23.14. Alabama Fox finished second, with Maid of Moolah claiming third.
The meeting closed in style with Race 10 – the Petaluma Handicap, another $160,000 feature. Step Aside delivered the final statement of the day under Ms S Grima, giving Chris Waller his second winner of the afternoon. The pair combined to stop the clock at 1:16.80, ahead of Plundering in second and Alabama State in third.
As the final numbers settled and the crowd thinned, the story of the day became clear. This was not a meeting defined by one moment, but by accumulation. Multiple winners, repeat success from leading stables, and tightly contested finishes reinforced the value of consistency in modern racing. Royal Randwick delivered a card where every race asked the same question and rewarded the same answer. Be ready, be accurate, and take your chance when it appears.
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