Regarded by Jamie Richards as one of the best juveniles he has trained, Sword Of State will make a belated Sydney debut when he returns for the first time as a three-year-old in the Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.
A Group One winner in New Zealand, Sword Of State was due to kick off his campaign in the San Domenico Stakes but was scratched after he returned poor blood results.
The stable is confident it has got on top of the issue, but Richards has warned the winner of four of his five starts will improve on whatever he shows on Saturday
“He did miss a trial a week ago just because of the COVID restrictions but apart from that, he’s in good order,” Richards said.
“He’s a good, tough colt with plenty of speed and plenty of brilliance as well.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes on Saturday, but he will take a fair bit of natural improvement out of the run as well.”
Under the set weights and penalties conditions of the race, Sword Of State will lump top weight of 60kg, a kilo more than Silver Slipper winner Home Affairs and 1.5kg more than Heritage Stakes favourite Paulele.
Richards concedes it is a tough ask, especially given the colt’s small stature, but he is hoping to see a good enough performance to press on to the Roman Consul Stakes and possibly the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes during the Flemington carnival.
“You can’t afford to give those sort of horses too much weight, but he’s got to get out and get going,” Richards said.
“He’s not a very big colt but I wouldn’t hold that against him.
“He’s got plenty of natural strength so I’m happy with the way he’s going to present on Saturday.”
Kerrin Mcevoy takes the ride aboard the on-speed runner, who has drawn barrier eight in the field of 12.
