Randwick Blackbookers - Saturday, August 23

Alex Marsh

Editor

Last updated: Mon 25 Aug 2025 08:38

Alex Marsh 25 Aug 2025

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Xcessive Force showed promise, excel at over more ground
Gangsta Granny's consistency key, Sheraco Stakes possible target
Ceolwulf's promising start, will improve with more distance

Which horses are the blackbookers from Winx Stakes Day? (Getty)

The Randwick meeting on Saturday, August 23 unearthed a handful of blackbook prospects worth noting.

Randwick Blackbookers Saturday, August 23

These runners weren’t in the winner’s stall but produced runs full of merit, suggesting they’ll be hitting their straps in the coming weeks.

Add them to your blackbook for future betting plays.

Randwick Blackbookers: Saturday, August 23

Race 2 - Xcessive Force (2nd): Xcessive Force had already shown quality with two wins from her first three starts, her only miss being a runner-up finish behind Sun ‘N’ Sand, who has since gone on to be Group 1 placed.

That class edge was always going to take her a long way in Highway company, but the 1100m proved a fraction sharp as she hit a flat spot mid-race before finding the line well late.

Saturday’s run was only her fourth career start and first of the campaign, so there’s clear improvement to come.

By Brutal, she shapes as a type who will furnish nicely over more ground, and she looks one to follow deeper into the prep.

Race 6 - Gangsta Granny (2nd): Gangsta Granny has been unlucky to keep bumping into a star in Autumn Glow at her last two starts, but the Team Hawkes runner continues to hold her form at a high level.

She’s been ultra-consistent to this point, with three wins and three placings from six outings, and she has proven adaptable across different surfaces.

Her on-pace racing style makes her reliable tactically, and she twice won over 1200m last campaign.

A race like the Sheraco Stakes on September 13 could prove an ideal second-up target, and she certainly looks up to black-type this spring.

Race 8 - Ceolwulf (4th): Resuming in the Winx Stakes, Ceolwulf had to come from back and wide, while the first three home all enjoyed softer, more economical runs.

Without a prior first-up win on his record, his effort was sound and matched the promise shown in his recent trial, suggesting he’s back on track after a mixed autumn.

The Joe Pride-trained gelding has always looked most effective around the mile, but he’s versatile enough to stretch further, with wins at 2000m and a Group 1 placing in the Australian Derby to his name.

With natural fitness improvement, he’ll be far more dangerous as he steps up in trip.