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Grahame Begg acknowledges Ilovethiscity deserves the favourite’s tag in Saturday’s Group One Randwick Guineas but he still isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“I think on his last start, certainly (he deserves to be favourite),” Begg said.

“He was pretty dominant the other day in the Hobartville Stakes. But it’s a different race on Saturday – different track, different race.”

The talented colt is chasing a breakthrough Group One success and has done everything expected of him leading into the opening leg of the three-year-old triple crown at Warwick Farm where he is the pronounced $2.50 favourite.

“He has made good progress since his win last start and we’re very pleased with him,” Begg said.

The Randwick Guineas (1600m) replaced the Canterbury Guineas (1900m) five years ago and since then no horse who has won the Group Two Hobartville (1400m) has also taken out the Randwick Guineas.

But in the five runnings of the Randwick Guineas, Mentality (2007), Weekend Hussler (2008) and Shoot Out (2010) have all won as favourite.

Ilovethiscity came up with barrier five when the final field of 11 runners was declared on Wednesday and the draw should give in-form jockey Brenton Avdulla options in what could turn into a tactical affair.

“There doesn’t appear to be a lot of genuine speed in the race,” Begg said.

“Maybe Gai Waterhouse’s horse Light Brigade will roll forward, (and) Skilled will probably go forward a bit like he did the other day.

“He (Avdulla) will be able to ride a good race on him from there (barrier five).”

Ilovethiscity sat midfield in the Hobartville on February 26 and unleashed a devastating turn of foot in the straight to defeat fellow Guineas rival Retrieve by 1-1/4 lengths with Skilled third.

“It was probably a performance similar to what he turned in at Rosehill in the Golden Rose last year,” Begg said.

“That (Golden Rose performance) was probably one of his best runs and he didn’t win.”

The Golden Rose was Ilovethiscity’s first foray into Group One racing and the colt was the major hard luck story from the race as he was blocked for a run for much of the straight before flashing home for third.

Begg knew the colt was pretty good even before then, but his Golden Rose performance confirmed he was up to Group One standard.

Chasing Ilovethiscity home in the Hobartville two weeks ago were Darley stablemates Retrieve and Skilled who are rated the biggest dangers to the favourite in Guineas betting.

Kerrin McEvoy was in Melbourne partnering Sepoy to Blue Diamond glory when Skilled raced in the Hobartville, but he’ll be on the Group One winner on Saturday.

Skilled covered ground up on the speed but fought on well in the Hobartville to be 2-1/4 lengths from the winner at the finish.

“He didn’t have any cover last start but he ran well and it just shows he’s in great shape,” McEvoy said.

AAP TURF

 
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