Saturday racing is highlighted by Attorney making his long-awaited return to the track on Saturday at Randwick.
He has not been seen since last July, with a patient approach taken after winning his first two race starts and the realisation that the son of Makfi has the ability to contest feature staying races across the Autumn Carnival.
Matthew Smith has been delighted with all that’s been asked of Attorney, in both his initial work returning from a spell and after increasing the intensity in getting him closer to the races. The second of his trials over 1200m at Randwick left him reassured the right road had been taken. “He really let down nicely over the final 150m, was strong late and doing his best through the line. Jason Collett was equally as pleased as I am with the piece of work.”
Attorney (barrier three) contests a 1600m BM88 (Race 6 – 3:10pm AEDT) with Jay Ford booked to ride first up and although he will continue to improve throughout the preparation we are hopeful of a strong showing tomorrow.
Earlier on the Randwick card, Dark Pearl (barrier six) gets out to his preferred distance when he tackles a BM78 (Race 2 – 12:50pm AEDT) with Nash Rawiller set to continue his recent association.
On the back of an encouraging run over 2000m (with pattern of the day against), he is sure to appreciate the longer trip. Dark Pearl was a tough winner two starts ago over 2400m and has been racing in super form throughout a campaign that began in October, highlighting his thirst for racing.
Master Zephyr (barrier seven) is another who looks to be suited by a longer staying journey when he arrives fourth up in to a BM90 over 2000m at Eagle Farm (Race 2 – 2:07pm AEDT). The eight-year-old has continued to race at a consistent level and looks a strong chance of figuring in the finish. Justin Huxtable will again partner and after his claim will carry 56kg.
In New Zealand, Quick Thinker, winner of the Group 3 Ming Dynasty at Rosehill in the spring, will take his first steps on a path to autumn assignments when he begins his campaign over 1200m (Race 1 – 10:20am AEDT, 12:20pm local) at Ellerslie.
Quick Thinker (barrier three) will be ridden by Matthew Cameron (58.5kg) and be given a chance to work through his gears in the six horse field. Co-trainer Andrew Forsman was left enthused after his recent trial at Tauranga. “He’ll improve a heap for the day out, it’s just good to get him back and take that little bit of an edge off him. All in all, couldn’t be happier.”
An exact plan is still to be mapped out for the exciting son of So You Think and a indication on what direction is taken will be made a bit clearer after he races tomorrow.
We wish all connections the best as we race across both sides of the Tasman this weekend.
