He had to contend with barrier 18 when saluting in last year’s Doncaster Mile at Royal Randwick but defending champion Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) has fared much better drawing gate two of 24 in this year’s edition of the A$4 million feature.
The son of Bullbars, and already winner of over A$5.8 million in earnings, has firmed from $6 into $5 after lobbing with the favourable starting position whilst the other fancied runners haven’t been so fortunate. Chris Waller’s Fangirl (Sebring) ($6 out to $7) will have to navigate from barrier 19 (before emergency scratchings) and other pre-draw contenders Zougotcha (Zoustar) ($8 – gate 13) and Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) ($11 – gate 12) also need a touch of luck in running on Saturday.
The Winx stand at Randwick also played host to the barrier draw for the A$2 million Australian Derby on Tuesday morning, with race favourite Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood) not on the right side of the barrier gods. The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-prepared gelding copped the second widest marble in 17 and has since drifted from $3.20 to $3.50 in betting.
Co-trainer Graeme Rogerson wasn’t as fazed as the market reaction and marvelled at the ability of his Redwood gelding to take it all in his stride.
“He’s a gem. He eats and works, he loves traveling,” Rogerson said.
“This is his third trip across the Tasman and he’s only three.
“Hughie (Bowman) is riding him. He can go forward, he can go back, three-wide. He can do whatever he wants.
“Only needs an ounce of luck and they’ll know he’s there. He’s a real good horse.”
Another New Zealand raider Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) ($8) has drawn handily in barrier five, while last year’s Victorian Derby winner Manzoice (Almanzor) ($11) will be looking to slot in somewhere from gate 14.
With over A$11.5 million in prize money on offer, it will be a stacked day’s racing at Royal Randwick this weekend. There are no less than nine Group races on the ten race card which also features the final of the Newhaven Park Country Championships.
