The Peter Snowden-trained Drumbeats has firmed into the clear favourite to win the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) this weekend after scoring an emphatic win in the $125,000 Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Redoute’s Choice five-year-old Drumbeats is now the $6.50 top pick in the 2010 The Metropolitan betting markets open at Sportsbet, followed by $7 second elect Neeson.

Backing up from their eye-catching third to More Joyous in the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill, Drumbeats was never challenged coasting to a classy win in the Bill Ritchie.

Drumbeats ($3.90) beat improving six-year-old Kenny’s World ($9.50) by two and a half lengths with Captain Sonador ($7) a fast finishing third just a nose further away.

While Kenny’s World is not nominated for The Metropolitan, third placegetter from Saturday Captain Sonador will also return to the Randwick track in The Metropolitan, currently a $15 chance to win at Sportsbet.

Snowden has stated Drumbeats came through his Bill Ritchie victory in fine form and with Rothesay ruled out due to an elevated temperature, The Metropolitan is looking an attractive option for Drumbeats.

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2010 Bill Ritchie Handicap Results