Apprentice Blake Spriggs will claim two kilograms for the final time at Randwick on Saturday and is confident of continuing his unbeaten record on the in-form Hidden Gem.
Spriggs rode his 50th metropolitan winner at Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting which reduces his city claim to 1.5kg, but he is allowed to still claim 2kg on Saturday.
A new rule which came into effect on Monday allows an apprentice to claim the same allowance to which he or she was entitled at the time of acceptances for that meeting.
Spriggs has been booked for six rides at Randwick including Hidden Gem in the 4tracks4kids Handicap (1600m).
The David Vandyke-trained Hidden Gem has won his past two starts with Spriggs aboard, including victory in Open company over 1800m at Randwick on July 9.
“He’s the sort of horse you look forward to getting back on every time you get off him,” Spriggs said.
“I’ve spoken to (owner) Terry Mullens and David Vandyke and I’m told the horse has improved again.
“He is dropping back from open company to a two-metro win race so that should find him very hard to beat again.”
Hidden Gem is the $3.40 favourite with TAB Sportsbet.
Spriggs will also partner the Greg Hickman-trained Girls Go Racing who has 60.5kg in the Spring Handicap (1100m).
“She has a big weight so she’ll appreciate me being able to still claim the two kilograms on her,” Spriggs said.
Three-year-old filly Shuswap is second-up in the Bronte Handicap (1300m) after impressing Spriggs when she returned with a fifth at Canterbury on June 29.
“She’s a really nice filly,” Spriggs said.
“She ran fifth first-up and it was a very good run. She didn’t handle the (slow) going but she attacked the line quite well.”
AAP TURF
