This weekend the navy and gold silks will feature around Australia, with runners at Flemington, Randwick and Murtoa on Saturday, and Kyneton and Northam on Sunday.
Flemington
At Flemington, Romancer will contest the Listed Paris Lane Stakes over 1400m (Race 3 – 1:15 pm) for the Grahame Begg stable. The seven-year-old gelding has been working well, and Begg is exceptionally happy with him this preparation. We’re hoping there will be a bit of give in the ground and anticipate that he’ll put in a strong showing with Jordan Childs aboard.
Stablemates Haky and Young Rascal will line up in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings over 2510m (Race 6 – 3:05 pm).
Haky goes into the race in great shape and has been working perfectly according to Archie Alexander. We’re putting a line through his poor run in the Naturalism and should things go his way, we expect him to be competitive. Declan Bates takes the ride from barrier six.
Three-time Group 3 winner Young Rascal is top weight in the race. After two below-par runs, Alexander is pleased with the horse and will switch up riding tactics in an aim to get him back to his best form. With John Allen riding from barrier 5, we’re looking forward to seeing a strong performance from him.
Randwick
Azuro will contest the Group 1 The Metropolitan over 2400m (Race 8 – 4:45pm) at Royal Randwick for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. Whilst he faces a difficult task from barrier 21, he’s in great shape, and we’re hoping he can be in the mix with Louise Day booked to ride.
Murtoa
Two OTI runners will contest the Murtoa Cup over 2050m (Race 6 – 4:01 pm).
Sheep Hills Cup winner Barade lines up in the race for Archie Alexander. Whilst he’ll need a little bit of luck from the outside barrier, he’s had a consistent prep, and we’re expecting him to be a big chance in the race. Neil Farley rides.
King of Camelot will also compete in the race, for Jamie Edwards with Zac Spain in the saddle. His last two starts have been disappointing; however, he’s been working well at home, and we’re hoping he’ll show improvement.
Kyneton
On Sunday, Sleepless races at Kyneton in a BenchMark 64 over 1875m (Race 6 – 4:00 pm) for Archie Alexander. The four-year-old gelding comes into the race fitter and sharper than last start, according to Alexander. With Neil Farley riding from barrier 3, we’re expecting him to be very competitive.
Northam
At Northam, Western Australia, Our Insider is set to contest a Class 3 race over 1000m (Race 4 – 6:00 pm AEST) for Lindsey Smith. We’re hoping he can bounce back into the winner’s stalls with jockey Jade McNaught in the saddle.
Best of luck to connections!
