After concluding last weekend with a dominant win from talented stayer Speranzoso, we look forward to multiple quality runners across the globe this weekend.
Starting in Sydney with two potential black-type runners in Baby Rider, Principessa. Baby Rider and Principessa are set to race in the 2000m Listed W J McKell Cup at Rosehill.
“Baby Rider galloped super this week. He continued to improve from his last run at Flemington, and I’m very happy with him. We will accept for Saturday, and he looks ready to run a race.”, said trainer Bjorn Baker.
The 5-year-old mare Principessa is also likely to start in the 2000m race and looks to be at her peak fourth up. Trainer Joe Pride commented after her last run, that she probably needed it and he will put the blinkers on for this race.
We have multiple runners again at Eagle Farm in the Listed Tattersall’s Mile over 1600m, with Cepheus and Eaglemont accepting the race. Talented gelding Cepheus has had an unlucky preparation, with gaps between runs while waiting on suitable race conditions. He has come through his run in the Group 1 Stradbroke Stakes two weeks ago well (after a winning trial at the Gold Coast) and certainly needed the run to improve. The drop in class will suit and hopefully, we will soon see him return to his best form.
Cepheus wins his trial at the Gold Coast in June 2024
Also trained by Matt Dunn is the 7-year-old gelding Eaglemont, who didn’t get to run last week after races were abandoned at Randwick. The gelding is deeper into his preparation and should appreciate the step back in distance and class.
Femminile, trained by Phillip Stokes, is contesting black-type racing for the first time this weekend. After her debut run at Sandown two weeks ago, where she didn’t entirely run to expectations, Stokes thinks she will take a lot out of the race and natural ability could take her a long way in Saturday’s event.
“She was still a bit green and probably didn’t jump as well as I thought, but I think she will take good improvement from the race. I have a high regard for her, and a trip away will be good for her. It’s not the strongest Listed race, so hopefully, she can add some black-type to her name.”, said Phillip Stokes in an update to owners.
The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly Sevenna’s Knight, who will take his place in the Group 1 Prix de Saint-Cloud. Sevenna’s Knight has been a most exciting horse for connections, winning both of his last starts in great style (Group 3 Prix de Barbeville & Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier). With five weeks between runs and a step back in trip, a decision will be made following this run as to whether he comes to Australia this spring for the Melbourne Cup, or remains in France for a potential Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe tilt. Trainer Andre Fabre is very happy with the horse’s condition, however some rain between now and Sunday at Saint Cloud would be well received.
Sevenna’s Knight wins the G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in Parislongchamp (FR)
We wish all involved in black-type racing this week the best of luck. Our full weekend preview video will be out later this week!