Having missed out on a berth in The Ingham, Purple Sector will chase a consolation prize at Randwick as he bids to end a two-year absence from the winner’s stall.
The gelding was first emergency for last weekend’s $2 million race but with all 20 acceptors lining up, trainer John Thompson was forced to go to Plan B and divert to Saturday’s December Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.
“I put the mock on myself because I said to the owners, ‘there’s twenty runners so there will be a scratching for sure, don’t worry’. But yep, no scratchings,” Thompson said.
“Everyone wants to have a throw at the stumps for that money.”
Purple Sector has been racing competitively this campaign, nabbed late by Old Flame first-up in August then finishing a creditable second to subsequent Epsom Handicap dead-heater Top Ranked in Group 3 grade.
He was only beaten 2-1/2 lengths when midfield to Riodini in The Gong (1600m) and if he can adjust to a slight distance drop on Saturday, Thompson is optimistic Purple Sector is going well enough to land his first win since the Listed Cup Day Plate at Flemington in November 2020.
“He seems happy. He has been going to the beach each week and he loves that,” he said.
“Once he’s fit you just have to keep him happy and ticking over.
“He ran well at Kembla the other day and he will prefer getting back to Randwick, he goes best there.”
Thompson will have dual representation in the Midway Handicap (1200m), saddling up four-year-old With Your Blessing and capable mare Silk Tie.
Silk Tie was luckless when midfield in a similar race at Rosehill at her latest appearance, while With Your Blessing was a last-start third in midweek grade after scoring first-up at Newcastle.
Significantly, James Mcdonald reunites with the gelding having guided him to a win on Randwick’s Kensington track earlier this year.
“He’s done well between runs and any time you can get the best jockey in the world on them, you’re doing alright,” Thompson said.
“He’s a nice horse, he just needs a bit of luck and James normally brings that with him.
“They’re all going well, they’re all in their right grade and they will run well.”
