It’s all about the emerging two-year-olds at this time of year and that’s pretty obvious judging by the nominations for the opening race at Royal Randwick on Saturday. A total of 33 runners were nominated for the two-year-old event, there’s now a final field of 13 plus 6 emergencies.
We told you last week to keep an eye on one that caught my attention on a recent trip to Randwick trackwork, his name is Arthur Francis who goes round Race One. The John O’Shea galloper has plenty of ability, has won his two barrier trials in impressive fashion and this son of Foxwedge has drawn the inside gate and will be extremely hard to beat.
Arthur Francis was scratched last Saturday avoiding the super impressive Remarque, who did plenty wrong but won with a leg in the air.
TRL TRAINERS STRONG HAND
Michael and Richard Freedman are in form and “super excited” about being named as trainers for the NSW Tycoons. Don’t worry, while the boys made their name training out of Flemington before moving to their private establishment on the Mornington Peninsula they are very much New South Welshman.
Michael trains the younger horses out of Randwick while Richard has the older horses at Rosehill. They have two of the top chances in Race Seven, with Ulysses and Outback Diva. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of early speed which should allow Ulysses to stroll to the lead and keep going.
MOODY BLUES AT SANDOWN
Champion trainer Peter Moody has put his hand up to train the Pride of Dubai colt bought by TRL, that’s if it’s chosen for the Vic Husslers team. Moody was quick to tell TRL Head of Bloodstock Mick Malone he is keen to train Lot 425 from the Magic Millions sale, again vindicating the purchase of the impressive colt.
Moody can win Race Seven at Sandown on Saturday, he trains Caffrey who just missed its last start at Flemington and drops a massive six kilos for this challenge. Stick with “Moods” and you’ll have a lot of fun.
DOOMBEN RETURN
After a massive couple of weeks on the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions carnival, racing in South East Queensland returns to Eagle Farm. The summer storm season has lashed the Brisbane area so before having a flutter make sure you check the improving track condition.
Kris Lees is a trainer who always places his horses to advantage and I have plenty of time for his runner Mystic Gem in Race One. Like many others, he’s having his first start in a race, but looked pretty good at the barrier trials at Wyong and is one to watch.
ASCOT
“Back Pike and drink what you like” that’s the popular chant from the massive fan club of champion jockey William Pike. I like Pike’s mount in Race Five at Ascot on Saturday and it’s not owned by Pike’s biggest fan Bob Peters.
Cousin Ivan is a lightly raced four-year-old heading in the right direction. He’s had just five starts for two wins and since winning the Aquanita Stakes and trialled well at Lark Hill in preparation for this.
In Pike we trust.
Good Luck!