Our weekend runners are headlined by three Group 1 contestants in Sydney, including I’m Thunderstruck, Daqiansweet Junior and Future Score.
Both Daqiansweet Junior and Future Score compete in the G1 Sydney Cup, just as they did in the Adelaide renewal a few weeks ago. I’m Thunderstruck takes on a star studded field in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after his run in the G1 Doncaster Handicap only a week ago.
Saturday, April 9
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Heavy
Lady Laguna
This lovely filly’s campaign is set to continue despite a tough run in the Golden Slipper. Having not put a foot wrong at home, we hope to see her bounce back in the $1m event with Tommy Berry back on board.
Race 4 – 1:25pm | 1200m G2 Percy Sykes Stakes | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Tommy Berry 54kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 5
Daqiansweet Junior
The Adelaide Cup winner is out to continue his rapid rise through the grades with a shot at the top level. Now proven at two miles, Phillip Stokes is bubbly about his chances in what will be a very testing affair.
Race 7 – 3:15pm | 3200m G1 Schweppes Sydney Cup | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Kerrin McEvoy 51.5kg | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 2
Future Score
Matt Cumani and connections are very proud of this older gelding, whose run in the Adelaide Cup was most encouraging. Importantly, he is a fit and happy horse who has handled testing ground in the past. Though he’ll need some luck from the wide alley, we know he’ll be staying on well late.
Race 7 – 3:15pm | 3200m G1 Schweppes Sydney Cup | T: Matt Cumani | J: Teodore Nugent 50kg | Barrier 16 | Saddlecloth 10
I’m Thunderstruck
This gelding is proving to be a top-class horse and there’s no doubt that he’ll need to be in what looks a star-studded weight-for-age contest. Having pulled up perfectly, the Price/Kent Jnr team couldn’t resist testing him over 2000m. A strong showing would sure up a tilt at the Cox Plate in the spring.
Race 8 – 3:55pm | 2000m G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Mark Zahra 59kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 3
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Good
Barade
Being better suited over 2000m and beyond, we just want to see Barade hitting the line well. He is capable of running a race fresh, as shown when finishing 2nd over this track and distance last campaign. His work at home suggests he’s in for a nice campaign this autumn/winter.
Race 8 – 4:50pm | 1600m BM84 Handicap | T: Archie Alexander | J: Ms Madison Lloyd 60kg | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 1
Lyon La Soie (FR)
Current Track Rating: Poly Track
Schwanensee
This mare is entered in a claiming event, so it may well be her last run for connections. She has been very consistent without winning a second race, so would certainly deserve it if she’s able to get her nose in front. Wet tracks have hindered her over recent months, so we hope the move back to the poly will aid her chances.
Race 7 – 3:05am | 2150m Class 4 | T: Antoine de Watrigant | J: Fabrice Veron 56.5kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 6
Sunday, April 10
Port Macquarie
Current Track Rating: Soft
Mista Razzledazzle
This fellow has always shown a good deal of ability and we hope that in a new environment, we can see that on race day. His trials have been most-pleasing and an ultra-competitive showing on return here would not surprise.
Race 3 – 2:15pm | 1200m BM66 Handicap | T: Paul Shailer | J: Ben Looker 58kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 6
We wish all of our connections the very best of luck this weekend!