The Fantastic Five! – Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October 2026

My pick to win Race 7 at Royal Randwick on Saturday is Global Goal.

Here’s why:

Group 1 form: Already won the Flight Stakes over 1,600m at Randwick, proving she can perform at the highest level.

Weight advantage: Carries 54.5kg, giving her an advantage over the colts carrying 56.5kg.

Barrier 3: A favourable draw that should allow Dylan Gibbons to settle her in a good position.

Distance: I think the step up to 2,000m could bring further improvement, although her stamina still needs proving.

My main danger is Proxima Dea, who arrives unbeaten and could have more improvement to come.

My pick to win Race 8 at Royal Randwick is Lazzura.

Here’s why:

Excellent recent form: Won the Group 2 Golden Pendant over 1,400m at Rosehill last start, beating Verona Rose by 1.2 lengths.

Proven Group 1 quality: Already a Coolmore Classic winner, so she has the class required.

Ideal distance: Has recorded two wins and two placings from five starts over 1,400m.

Fitness: Third-up from a spell, a stage at which she has previously won.

Main concern: Barrier 12 is awkward, and carrying 59kg makes this no straightforward assignment. 

My main danger is Verona Rose, who finished second to Lazzura in the Golden Pendant and gets a much better draw in barrier four.

My pick to win Race 8 at Flemington is Ceolwulf.

Here’s why:

Strong recent form: His last three starts include two Group 1 placings and a Group 2 second, showing he’s competing consistently against quality opposition.

Proven at the distance: Has already won over 2,000m, which is a big positive for the Cox Plate.

Excellent barrier: Drawn in barrier 3, giving Chad Schofield options to secure a favourable position.

Track experience: Has raced at Flemington before, although his record there isn’t particularly strong.

Main concern: He’s been finding one or two horses too good recently, and this is a demanding Group 1.

My main danger is Sir Delius, who has been specifically prepared for this race. He’s a proven Group 1 winner over 2,000m and should be approaching peak fitness.

My pick to win Race 9 at Ascot is Beatty.

Here’s why:

Strongest exposed form: Beat He’s A Machino at Ascot in April, and that form looks particularly relevant to this field.

Proven at Ascot: Has won four of his five starts at the track, an excellent record.

Distance specialist: Three wins from four starts over 1,200m.

Recent preparation: His latest trial was encouraging, finishing second over 1,000m.

Main concern: Carries the top weight of 59kg and has barrier 10, so he may need some luck getting into a good position.

My main danger is Big Red Zoom, who is unbeaten in two starts. He’s clearly talented, although this is a significant step up in class.

My provisional pick to win Race 1 at Northam is Arcadia Park.

Here’s why:

Recent form: His form figures include a win and several competitive performances, suggesting he has the ability to feature.

Weight advantage: Carries 56.5kg, receiving 2.5kg from Playhouse Patron.

Age profile: At five years old, he may have more improvement available than some of the older runners.

Trainer: Michael Grantham prepares him, and he looks an interesting contender in this field.

My main danger is Royal Toronado, whose recent form includes multiple wins and who looks a serious contender if he reproduces his best.