One of Randwick’s two big Group One mile handicaps will likely see a full field this year and the barrier draw has done little to narrow down the key chances, with $6 favourite Pericles drawing 14 for the $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m).
The stable also have last start Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) winner Golden MileĀ in the field, drawn wide in barrier 21, with Godolphin representative Darren Beadman unperturbed by the gates, especially for Pericles.
“Not too bad, he’s (Pericles) an on-speed type of runner, a last start winner so here’s hoping,” Beadman told SKY.
“(Golden Mile’s) a Group 1 winner over a mile at three, he’s a lot more seasoned now, fourth run under his belt, it’ll be perfect.”
Chris Waller currently has eight runners in the field (including one emergency) with lightweight chances RedienerĀ and Democracy ManifestĀ firming slightly into $13 apiece with TAB after drawing barriers 2 and 1 respectively.
The stable is also represented by OlentiaĀ (barrier 17), KovalicaĀ (barrier 7), WaterfordĀ (barrier 20), Going GlobalĀ (barrier 12), Madam Pommery (barrier 16) and Political DebateĀ (2EM- barrier 22).
The only other runner in single figures is Hope In Your HeartĀ at $8, who resumed with a fast finishing third in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes behind Epsom favourite Pericles and has drawn barrier 10 with Craig Williams set to ride.
The other feature race on the card is the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) and unlike the Epsom, the market has singled out the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian BottĀ import Just FineĀ as the clear horse to beat, now sitting at $1.90 with TAB.
Getting in with just 50kg after two dominant wins on Australian shores, there was little to dent the stable’s confidence after the son of Sea The Stars drew barrier 2 in a field of 18, with co-trainer Adrian Bott confident he’ll take a power of beating.
“He’s been very impressive on what he’s done to date, he’s only had the two runs here but certainly his most recent start where he absorbed pressure there on pace and the way he was able to quicken away from them in that grade was certainly the makings of a nice horse so he gets in here under very good conditions, well weighted and is certainly a deserving favourite,” Bott told SKY.
No other runners are in single figures with stablemate Major BeelĀ (barrier 5) and BenaudĀ (barrier 1) at $11 with TAB.
