The start will be the key to the finish for Tulloch Lodge mare Echo Gal when she strives to regain the confidence of punters at Randwick.
Echo Gal was sent out a well-backed favourite at Canterbury last month when she made an awkward getaway and failed to get into the race, finishing second last.
The Gai Waterhouse stable could find nothing amiss but spokesman Mark Newnham felt Echo Gal’s tardiness out of the gates didn’t help.
“She was a little cranky in the barriers which is unusual for her,” Newnham said.
“She was also in a position where she raced tight between runners and a lot of mares don’t appreciate that.
“Her best form is when she can lead or sit outside the leader so hopefully she jumps better on Saturday.”
Waterhouse thought highly enough of Echo Gal to test her in top company last spring.
She was stakes placed behind Kuro at Listed level then wasn’t disgraced in the Group One Flight Stakes, won by First Seal.
The mare is a $6 chance in early markets for the TAB.com.au Handicap.
Tulloch Lodge, which has Liberty’s Choice in the feature Missile Stakes, is also hoping for an improved performance from Duccio in the Lindbald Expeditions Handicap.
The four-year-old has struck heavy tracks at his two runs from a spell but showed potential on firmer tracks last spring with strong performances against two subsequent Group One winners.
“He had good form this time last year. He beat Preferment and ran second to Hampton Court so hopefully he can do better if he gets a better track,” Newnham said.
Waterhouse confirmed via Twitter on Thursday that Golden Slipper winner Vancouver would resume in the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday week.
