The laws of probability will be in favour of Joe Pride when he saddles up more than a third of the field in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap at Randwick.
The in-form trainer has Cool Jakey and Storm The Ramparts resuming in the 1100m contest, while recent recruit Appin Girl and King’s Secret tackle it second-up.
When asked which he rated his best chance, Pride didn’t hesitate.
“King’s Secret. He is perfectly set up for this race,” Pride said.
“He is a really nice horse and probably just needed that run first-up.”
Bookmakers agree, the horse installed a $2.50 favourite having won four of his six starts last preparation and doing his best work late when resuming for third behind Lyles and Snack Bar over 1100m at Rosehill on November 29.
His career wins have all been over Saturday’s journey and he is yet to miss a place in two second-up runs.
Both Cool Jakey ($26) and Storm The Ramparts ($15), who are superior on rain-affected ground, are on trial for trips to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions carnival, while former Queenslander Appin Girl ($13) is the horse Pride believes capable of surprising.
A Listed winner at two, she has been competitive in stakes grade throughout her career and Pride was encouraged by her fourth to Hawker Hall at her stable debut earlier this month.
“Cool Jakey might go to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions yet and he’s better on a wet track,” Pride said.
“Storm The Ramparts might go to the Gold Coast as well, but he will run well.
“The one I think is under the radar is Appin’s Girl. Her run was good the other day when she had to give them a lot of weight.”
The stable has been in terrific form with five winners from its past 11 runners leading into Saturday’s meetings.
