Exciting three-year-old Expat is chasing three wins in-a-row in the Tax Today Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
The daughter of Makfi hasn’t finished worse than fourth this campaign, when she was first-up in the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes.
Her last two wins have both come on Heavy rated tracks, which Randwick is expected to be rated come Saturday morning.
Expat’s trainer Mark Newnham said the filly is handling her racing well, and the return of apprentice Tom Sherry adds to her chances.
“Her condition’s maintained, her race weight is the same. She’s been terrific,” he said.
“It (Sherry’s apprentice claim) allows her to remain in the same grade.
“She’s been winning pretty well, I think she’ll carry a one kilo more, but she put them away pretty well.
“The only difference is she’s bringing that Rosehill form to Randwick, but she loves wet ground, she loves to dominate a race and Tommy’s had good success on her before.”
Saturday will be Expat’s fifth run this preparation, which included two trials back in mid-April.
Newnham says Saturday will most likely be the three-year-old’s final start this campaign, with a return to black type races in the three-year-old’s future.
“This will probably be her last run this time in,” he said.
“I’ll give her a little freshen-up and then I’ll more than likely give her a couple of runs during the spring.
“Then hopefully some stakes races for her next autumn.”
I Am Power is Newnham’s other runner of the day, lining up in the Heineken Handicap (1000m).
The six-year-old made his way to Australia after a successful stint in Hong Kong for trainer Peter Ho.
The son of Power returned with a second placing after a two-year absence, as he retired from racing in Hong Kong after he bled from both nostrils.
His most recent start, a win at Rosehill, was eight weeks ago, with Newnham saying a lack of options is to blame for the break between runs.
“There just hasn’t been any races for him,” he said.
“They were all Benchmark 78’s like on Saturday, where he’s going to have to carry a big weight and Tommy (Sherry) was out (injured).
“It’s been that long between runs now that he just has to get back to the races.
“He’s going terrific. His two runs here have both been very good.
“I’d expect him to run really well, but he does have a big weight to carry.”
Group 1 placed Harmony Rose has recently returned to the Newnham stables in preparation for the spring.
The three-year-old was placed in the Vinery Stud Stakes before starting as favourite in the ATC Oaks, both at Group 1 level.
“Harmony Rose has been back about three weeks,” Newnham said.
“She’s up to going three-quarter pace now.
“She’s probably a month away from trialling.”
Expat is currently the $3.50 Neds favourite in race nine, while I Am Power is joint second favourite at $5 for the final race of the day with tab.com.au.
