Brad Widdup is banking on a combination of race experience and a low draw to help Internal Affairs get a win on the board in the Listed Inglis Nursery at Randwick.
A $440,000 buy, the son of Home Affairs is the second highest-priced yearling in Saturday’s 1000m feature, behind $1.2 million purchase Vatican, who makes his debut in the race.
Internal Affairs fought on bravely for fourth to Fireball at his only start last month when he worked early to cross from a wide draw.
Widdup gave the two-year-old every chance to signal he was ready for the paddock, but when he continued to thrive, the Hawkesbury trainer opted to press on.
“I thought, do I tip him out or just tick him over for this race to see how he comes through? He has come through really well, so it was a bit of a no-brainer to go around,” Widdup said.
“It’s good prizemoney, not a big field. He has well and truly got enough ability.”
Internal Affairs has drawn barrier three and with his natural gate speed, Widdup expects him to be handy.
However, he is keen to see Tom Sherry find cover and with six of the 11 runners first starters, Widdup is hoping his youngster can capitalise on his race experience and make his presence felt.
“He is a pretty straightforward animal. He would have learned a lot the other day,” Widdup said.
“Unless you get something out of the box that is very good, race experience always helps.”
Widdup will also be represented at Randwick by last start winner Hyperbolic in the In Memory of Sam Kavanagh Handicap (1600m) and is optimistic she can go on with the job.
“We have been very patient with her, and now she is at this age, she should be cherry-ripe to go through her grades,” he said.
“She’s a nice mare and I’m more than hopeful that she can go on with it.”
The four-year-old has won four of her 12 starts and Tommy Berry has stuck with her after partnering her to victory at Rosehill last month.
