Two last start winners face Group 1 challenges on the opening day of The Championships at Randwick.
Quick Thinker is looking to back up his dominant win in the G2 Tulloch Stakes in the G1 Australian Derby (2400m).
With rain falling throughout parts of Sydney this weekend, Quick Thinker will strike an affected surface for which he has demonstrated a liking for in the past.
In the G1 Doncaster Mile, Night’s Watch is set to take his place coming off a breakthrough win in the G3 Neville Sellwood at Rosehill last Saturday.
With a good level of fitness built throughout his preparation and confidence now high, the six-year-old will be strong at the end of the famous Randwick mile.
Earlier at the meeting, Gallic Chieftain & Fairlight contest the G2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m). Gallic Chieftain has been targeted for Sydney staying features and arrives into the race third up on the back of a good run over 2000m at Caulfield on March 14.
Inverloch returns to the scene of his most recent triumph, taking his place in a 2400m Handicap at Caulfield.
A brave 2nd in the Mornington Cup two weeks ago, he has found form this preparation after successfully returning from a layoff which is a credit to his trainers, Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young.
Benitoite races on her home track later in the day when she steps out to 1600m for the first time this campaign. Coming off a 4th placing in the G1 Coolmore Classic, the five-time winner looks well placed faced with her favoured conditions.
At Ascot, Tom Melbourne is second up for new trainer Lindsey Smith in the Listed Old Comrade Stakes (1600m).
On Sunday, Lord Fandango begins his career under Smith in the Listed Pinjarra Cup (2200m). The seven-year-old has thrived in the west over the summer months and it is great to see him back.
All the best of luck to our partners this weekend!
