3 minute read

Simon Thomas brings you the best at Randwick on a dual G1 day.

The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival comes to a thrilling end at Royal Randwick on Saturday with the final two Group One races to be run in NSW for the season - the Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m) and the Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m).

In what has been a memorable Autumn Carnival we see Campione D'Italia attempt to do the Sires' and Champagne double, and Jimmysstar out to defend his 2025 All Aged Stakes victory. 

Our best bet comes up in the Group Three Toyota Forklifts Frank Packer Plate (2000m), with the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained MATIAS.

The three-year-old Snitzel gelding put his staying credentials on show with a fast finishing victory in the Group Three Grand Prix (1800m) at Eagle Farm last December.

Matias comes here third-up tomorrow after giving weight to his rivals, closing strongly along the inside to run third in a tight finish in the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

Tomorrow, with the rail out 7m from the 1000m to the winning post and out 5m the remainder, expect to see Matias hold a forward position from the good barrier and "box seat" in what should be an evenly run race.

With Nash Rawiller taking the reins in this set weights contest, expect to see Matias justify the favouritism and score a well deserved win. 

A possible trip north for the Queensland Winter Carnival is also on the agenda.

Our next best comes up in the Group One Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m), with the Chris Waller-trained CAMPIONE D'ITALIA.

The talented son of Snitzel bounced off his unlucky fourth in the Golden Slipper (1200m), with a dominant performance winning the Group One Sires' Produce (1400m) here at his fourth race start.

Campione D'Italia was very strong through the line in the Sires' and looks even better placed tomorrow out to the 1600m. 

James McDonald can park him midfield and if successful can stake his claim for 'two-year-old of the year' honours.

SYDNEY SPECIALS

Race 5 No. 1 - MATIAS

Race 7 No. 1 - CAMPIONE D'ITALIA