Chris Waller’s five Metropolitan runners had mixed luck at Wednesday’s barrier draw with import Illustrious Blue faring best with gate three.
Hawk Island (16) and The Verminator (18) both drew wide while Sydney Cup winner Stand To Gain came up with gate 13 and Bellagio Wynn barrier six.
A field of 18 plus emergency Splendid Honours was paid up for Saturday’s 2400m Group One at Randwick with Colin Stephen Quality winner Lamasery drawing well in barrier eight while the in-form Trusting came up with 10.
Praecido will start from the inside alley while Home On A Wing drew widest in 19.
He is one of two runners for trainer Anthony Cummings along with Red Eye Special (12).
Cummings’ Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) fancy Strike The Stars had better luck with barrier four in the field of 10.
Spring Stakes winner Darci Be Good is immediately inside him while Darley’s Ambidexter will jump from seven and Rekindled Alliance from the outside gate.
AAP TURF
