Queensland-based mare Nuptse will aim to continue her strong Sydney form at Randwick on Saturday.
The lightly-raced Brian Wakefield-trained Nuptse has faced the starter just five times for three wins, with two of those victories coming on Sydney tracks.
Wakefield considered the possibility of venturing further south for a Listed race on Oaks day at Flemington but opted to keep the four-year-old in Sydney to run in the Fitzpatrick & Partners Handicap (1200m).
Wakefield originally sent Nuptse to Sydney in January to escape the big wet in Queensland.
The then filly finished fourth on debut at Canterbury before winning at her second start at Warwick Farm.
After resuming with a Class 4 win at Doomben in late September, Wakefield again decided on an interstate trip with Nuptse and it reaped its reward with a fast-finishing win over 1100m at Rosehill on October 22.
She steps up to 1200m for the first time on Saturday and will be ridden by Nathan Berry who is unbeaten on her from two rides.
“She’s still lightly raced and still has a bit to learn race-wise, but she seems to be heading in the right direction,” Wakefield said.
“We’re basically just looking to put her through her classes, although we were toying with the idea of going to Melbourne for a Listed race for fillies and mares on Oaks day.
“But time-wise it was a bit tight and she’s settled in well in Sydney so she’ll race there on Saturday and we’ll look at a plan from there.”
Wakefield said the mare could return home to Brisbane for a race next month.
“There is a Listed fillies and mares race in Brisbane on the third of December,” he said.
Wakefield said the 1200m was an unknown, but both he and Berry believe she will handle it.
“Judging by the way she finished off her race the other day and what I think of her, I think she can handle it,” he said.
“Nathan agreed when he got off her last start that going that bit further was not going to be a problem for her. It’s a good test for her but keeping her against her own age and sex is a plus.
“Nathan has been coming out to work her and is of the opinion she has done well since her last run which she has. He gets on well with her and she certainly goes well for him.”
Nuptse was installed the $2.10 favourite with TAB Sportsbet in the field of seven.
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