Splintex will head to the Show County Quality at Randwick on a mission to defend his undefeated record over the course and distance.
Not only has the five-year-old displayed a liking for Randwick’s 1200 metre circuit but it has also been the scene of his two most significant victories in the 2020 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint and the Hall Mark Stakes during the autumn.
If he can add Saturday’s feature, the $83,000 first prizemoney purse will take Splintex’s earnings to over $1 million.
“He is a fairly uncomplicated horse and the thing going into Saturday is his career highlights are at Randwick over 1200 in a Group Two and Group Three,” trainer Mark Newnham said.
“It’s the track and distance that suits him. He’s just a good, genuine, on-pace, talented horse.”
Splintex has not raced since finishing down the track behind Baller at Eagle Farm in June.
Newnham said the entire was one of many horses who struggled to handle the controversial circuit, but his prior form had been sound, including his effort to finish sixth and less than two lengths off Eduardo in the Doomben 10,000.
While he is yet to win in four first-up attempts, Newnham views Saturday’s assignment as unique, given the horse only had two weeks in the paddock after his Brisbane campaign.
“He is generally better after a run but this time around, he’s coming off a lot shorter break,” Newnham said.
“He has had more of a freshen-up than a spell.
“He did win the Arrowfield off a seven-week break.”
Splintex will have 11 rivals headed by Doncaster Mile runner-up Icebath and established stakes performers Viridine and Rock, while three-year-old Hilal adds another dimension of intrigue.
Newnham is keeping an open mind on the horse’s spring goals and will consider options in Sydney and Melbourne.
“He’ll have his first couple of runs in Sydney and we have taken him to Melbourne previously, but he tends not to go well around Caulfield and Moonee Valley, so I may look for a couple of races down the straight for him in Cup week,” he said.
“But we’ve got the Sydney Stakes here or if, by chance, he got an Everest invite we’d look at that.”
