It has been just under a year since Brudenell finished a close fifth in the Oakleigh Plate and trainer Kris Lees is optimistic the stakes performer is working his way back into that form.
The five-year-old was beaten less than two lengths in the Group 1 sprint before some minor issues cut short his winter campaign.
He lines up for the fourth run of his current preparation in the Southern Cross Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday and following a luckless third in the Canterbury Sprint (1200m) last start, Lees expects him to feature in the finish.
“He had a good preparation this time twelve months ago,” Lees said.
“Then he went to Brisbane and he just had a couple of little niggles so he’s had a fair bit of time off.
“His most recent run on New Years’ Day he was quite luckless and you could probably make a case that if he gets clear running a little earlier, he just about wins the race.
“That would suggest he’s getting closer to his best form.”
Brudenell is proven over Saturday’s track and distance and has drawn to enjoy an economical run from barrier four.
He will be chasing his first win since taking out the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in March and while Lees is cautious of the likes of in-form pair Accredited and Disneck, both handicapped on the 53kg minimum, he cannot fault Brudenell (57kg).
“You’ve got some progressive horses with no weight on their backs, I am always mindful of that,” Lees said.
“But I’m happy with how he is going into the race.”
Josh Parr sticks with Brudenell, who has been the subject of some early support, tightening from $13 into $10 on Thursday.
Accredited is a slightly easy favourite at $2.90, ahead of Willaidow ($4.20) and Disneck ($5.50).
