It’s a Dundeel will have an important gear change in Saturday’s Randwick Guineas and will wear blinkers for the first time.
Trainer Murray Baker decided the race was the ideal one to test the blinkers in an attempt to get It’s A Dundeel to settle a little closer to the pack.
The Spring Champion Stakes winner is residing with Baker’s son Bjorn at Warwick Farm where this year’s Guineas (1600m) will be run due to construction work at Randwick.
Bjorn Baker has experienced Group One wins in partnership with his New Zealand-based father and although he is now out on his own at Warwick Farm, he can claim some of the credit if It’s A Dundeel wins the Guineas.
“We know he can finish off his races as well as anything but hopefully the blinkers will help him be a bit closer,” Baker said.
“Murray’s always done this with horses like Lion Tamer and Harris Tweed.
“It’s the first time for Dundeel and hopefully it makes him more tractable.
“He gets too far out of his ground and he can’t do that at Warwick Farm.
“It’s not the best track for him but it’s like his home track now and he’s had quite a few course proper gallops to get used to it.”
It’s A Dundeel started favourite in the Victoria Derby but finished seventh, beaten almost five lengths, after again getting a long way back.
He rattled home for fourth first-up in the Hobartville Stakes won by Pierro who will not be among his opposition on Saturday.
New Zealand Group One winners Tougher Than Ever and Sacred Falls will run in the Guineas for trainer Chris Waller.
The fourth Group One winner in the field is Ferlax who took out the Australian Guineas last Saturday week in the absence of All Too Hard.
Victorian trainer Jim Conlan was in Sydney on Saturday to saddle up Urban Explorer in a 2200m race.
Conlan’s plans to give Urban Explorer a run on a wet track were foiled when Sydney dried out but he got a good look at Warwick Farm.
“I walked the track and although Randwick would probably suit him better, I think he will be OK,” Conlan said.
Rebel Dane, who came within a head of causing an upset in the Hobartville, will also take his place in the Guineas, his first foray into Group One company.
Although Pierro will not run, Waterhouse will be represented by Spring Champion runner-up Proisir who finished third in the Hobartville, 2-3/4 lengths behind Rebel Dane.
Proverb, Solemn and Tatra, who finished fifth, seventh and ninth on the heavy track in the Hobartville, represent the Darley stable.
