Barn mates Dragonstone and Argentia had mixed first-up experiences in the Missile Stakes, but Joe Pride expects both to run boldly when they clash again in the Show County Quality at Randwick.
Argentia, who was making her debut for Pride in the Missile, was racing behind stablemate Big Parade when he suffered a fatal injury halfway up the straight.
The mare struck much of the backwash, losing her position before picking up again late to finish fourth in an effort Pride felt had plenty of merit.
“It was a little bit hard to get a guide, but you couldn’t be disappointed with the run,” Pride said.
“She knuckled down and got home well.”
While Argentia was trying to regather herself, Dragonstone was sailing down the outside unimpeded to beat home all but the winner I Am Me.
It continued the gelding’s consistent winter form following placings in the June Stakes and July Sprint, with a Brisbane placing sandwiched in between.
Dragonstone relishes rain-affected tracks and with Randwick rated a heavy 8 on Wednesday, he appears set to strike his favoured conditions.
“Dragonstone did a bit of a Steven Bradbury moment down the outside (in the Missile Stakes) while they were all knocking each other out, but he is racing really consistently,” Pride said.
“He’s favoured by a wet track and no weight on his back.
“I don’t think I wanted a wet track for Argentia. Looking at her form, she looks better on top of the ground, but if it gets to the soft range it shouldn’t bother her.
“I’m really happy with both of them.”
A field of 10 will line up in Saturday’s Show Country Quality (1200m) including Matt Smith’s classy sprinter Buenos Noches and former South Australian sprinter Extremely Lucky, who makes his debut for Chris Waller after being scratched from Rosehill last week due to a poor scope.
