Randwick will figure prominently in the plans of trainer John Sargent on two fronts this weekend.
Not only will Sargent start talented three-year-old Good Job Bro in the Listed Rosebud (1200m) on Saturday, he will also relocate his Warwick Farm stable to the eastern suburbs track a day later.
The respected horseman has been granted 24 boxes by the Australian Turf Club this season.
Whereas he previously operated Warwick Farm as a satellite stable complementing his New Zealand operation, the shift to Randwick will involve him moving to Sydney fulltime.
“I’ve just flown in and I’m here permanently now and based at Randwick. The horses move in on Sunday,” Sargent said.
“There’s been a lot involved. I’ve got them coming from Warwick Farm and coming from New Zealand and coming from Queensland, coming from everywhere.”
Despite the logistical difficulties of shifting a stable of horses, Sargent sees the move as a fresh start.
“It will be great. It will be a good challenge and something to put your teeth into,” he said.
Good Job Bro could be one of Sargent’s flag bearers this spring.
Runner-up to subsequent dual Group One winner Guelph in January, Good Job Bro was stepped up to stakes company in the Skyline and Pago Pago Stakes.
He ran below expectations in both but Sargent hopes they have rectified the issue that led to those flops.
“He got very colty in both those runs, in the parade ring and down at the start, so he’s been gelded since then,” Sargent said.
“That was the reason we decided to pull out of going to the Slipper.
“His attitude seems a lot better so hopefully he will race accordingly.”
Good Job Bro has not had an official barrier trial but he has had an 800m jump-out to prepare for his return.
He will meet some smart rivals on Saturday headed by unbeaten colt Eurozone, the regally bred Bull Point, in-form filly Watabout and Blue Diamond Preview winner Dissident.
Sargent says Good Job Bro will improve on whatever he shows in The Rosebud, a race which will help shape his spring targets.
