Urquidez has slipped under the radar in the Royal Sovereign Stakes and that’s just fine with trainer Jarrod Austin.
Most of the talk and the betting around Saturday’s Group Two race at Rosehill has been dominated by two unbeaten colts – Rebel Dane and New Zealand Group One winner Sacred Falls.
Austin knows the race is a step up for Urquidez but he is confident the colt can make his presence felt.
“I’m happy for him not to be in the limelight,” Austin said.
“This is a hard race for his return but it will tell us where he is at.
“I’d like to think he can be in the finish. The way he’s worked I think he’s a real good chance to be right in it.”
Austin has been training since June 2011 when he took over the stable from his boss Denise McGrath, the owner of Urquidez.
McGrath stepped back to concentrate on her breeding and pre-training interests.
She is best known for the deeds of Keen Commander who was edged out of a win in the 2008 Group One Galaxy by Typhoon Zed.
Urquidez has had just four starts, recording a win as a late two-year-old and a second to the highly-rated She’s A Fox in the Listed Rosebud.
“He was only ever going to have a light spring but the decision was made for us when he injured his foot in the Rosebud,” Austin said.
“He has had a good break and the autumn was always when he was going to get up among the better horses.
“I’m hoping he can measure up. It would be great to think he could step up to a Randwick Guineas but if he doesn’t, there are plenty of races for three-year-olds in the autumn.”
The Gary Portelli-trained Rebel Dane remained the TAB’s $2.80 favourite on Friday ahead of Sacred Falls at $3.40, Ashokan ar $4.60 and Urquidez, an $8.50 chance.
Sacred Falls has joined premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller for his autumn campaign but has his regular partner, Leith Innes, aboard for the Royal Sovereign.
Jason Collett rides Rebel Dane while Nathan Berry rides Urquidez after the pair combined to run third in a recent barrier trial won by Pierro.
“He wasn’t asked to do too much in the trial and I was happy with it,” Austin said.
