Trainer Matthew Dunn is confident he has Broken Arrows in the right frame of mind to snap a year-long losing streak following a sharp trackwork gallop this week.
Formerly prepared by David Pfieffer, who is serving a suspension, Broken Arrows’ last win was at Eagle Farm in July last year.
He has had two starts since joining Dunn’s team, finishing third both times, and with better luck in the run the trainer is hoping he can get back in the winner’s stall in the Fujitsu General Handicap (1100m) on Saturday.
“He worked on Tuesday on the course proper and his work was really strong, probably the best he’s worked since I’ve had him,” Dunn said.
Jason Collett takes the ride on Broken Arrows, who has drawn barrier seven in the field of 12.
While Dunn has the horse in great shape, he says a genuine tempo will make or break his chances.
“The other day there was no tempo and he got stuck four-deep when they bunched a bit. He just needs the speed on,” Dunn said.
The prospects of stablemate Badoosh will also be dictated by the pace of the race when he tackles The Agency Real Estate Handicap (1800m).
The four-year-old endured a chequered passage when a last-start third to La Chevalee two weeks ago and has taken further improvement from that effort.
“He was really unlucky last start. When you watch the race, he got stopped twice in the straight and probably should have won for sure,” Dunn said.
“He’s done very well. He’s a bit the same (as Broken Arrows), he just needs a bit of tempo.”
Magic Ruler rounds out Dunn’s team in the ATC Thank You Stable Staff Handicap (1300m), although the trainer would have preferred a more heavily rain-affected track for the three-year-old, who has won two of his past four starts on heavy ground.
Randwick was rated a soft 5 on Thursday.
