A restricted-class race over a middle distance at Randwick on Saturday is shaping as an important pointer towards Brisbane’s two winter carnival Classics.
A field of 16 and five emergencies were paid up for the Pixable Handicap (2000m), among them a host of Queensland Derby and Queensland Oaks hopefuls.
One of those racing for a Derby berth is the John O’Shea-trained Sir Denzel who was competitive against some of the better stayers during the autumn in Sydney, highlighted by his third to subsequent Australian Derby runner-up Philippi in the Group Three Tulloch Stakes.
“I felt he was just a grade below the top three-year-olds in Sydney so he fits the profile (of a Queensland Derby horse),” O’Shea said.
“Whether he’s ready for it, we’ll find out on Saturday. If he runs well there he’ll make the transition to the Derby.”
Saturday’s race is well timed for three-year-olds heading to Brisbane for the blue-riband races.
Last year the Chris Waller-trained Eliza Blues finished fifth in the corresponding event when it was run at Rosehill, before beating all but Quintessential in the Queensland Oaks.
O’Shea said the popularity of the race showed programmers had got it right.
“It’s a good race to have and that’s evidenced by the field size and it’s proximity to the two features,” O’Shea said.
The Randwick trainer will also start Fancy Dress in the same event and has warned punters to disregard her last run when she finished among the tailenders in a 1900m event won by Richie’s Bickies.
“She is quite a tough and talented filly,” he said.
“She drew the carpark last time and got back near last. It just didn’t suit her.
“A bit of wet ground won’t hurt her and I expect her to run much better.”
Fancy Dress is currently a $51 chance for the Oaks while the Bart Cummings-trained pair of Duet and Kim Dynasty, who will oppose the O’Shea-trained filly on Saturday, are slightly higher in Oaks calculations at $34.
James Cummings, foreman for his grandfather, said Duet needed to be competitive to back up in the Oaks.
“She’s got to stand up and deliver to be a hope to head north,” Cummings said.
Duet made late ground when fifth over 1550m at Canterbury on May 8 while Kim Dynasty was an eye-catching last-start sixth to Richie’s Bickies after coming from last on the turn.
