TheĀ GaiĀ Waterhouse andĀ A BottĀ stable is banking on the excellent third-up record of Converge over the Randwick Mile in theĀ Epsom Handicap.
ConvergeĀ has twice been a winner third-up at 1600m at Randwick and enters Saturday’s Group 1 race under those conditions again.
He won the Listed Fernhill Stakes as a two-year-old before returning the following year to lower the colours ofĀ Anamoe in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas.
Converge’s form this campaign may be less than flattering but Bott expects the gelding to be handier in the run than when finishing last behind Anamoe in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 17.
Converge drew barrier one in Tuesday’s barrier draw for the Epsom Handicap andĀ BottĀ said he had seen a sign in the gelding’sĀ trackĀ work that he was approaching his best.
“We saw him work up strongly this morning and we’ve followed a similar pattern being mindful how the preparation worked out for him last time,” Bott told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“He’s come on nicely. The draw on Saturday will help him a lot.
“In the George Main he was drawn wide and forced to go backĀ andĀ from an awkward spotĀ itĀ left him with too much to do.
“From that kinder draw we should see him settle a bit closer.”
Waterhouse and Bott will also be represented by Cross TalkĀ who, with 51kg, and theĀ prospectĀ of a wet trackĀ is likely to come into discussions for the Group 1 race.
Rain is forecastĀ and Bott said Cross Talk excels on wet ground.
“He’s got some good tactical speed to make it a nice even run raceĀ and he excels in those conditions, plusĀ he runs out a nice strong mile,” Bott said.
“Things could certainly fall his way come Saturday, particularly with the rain.”
Cross Talk came up with barrier six and is an $11 chance with TAB whileĀ Converge is a $15 hope.
Ice Bath (barrier 7) and HingedĀ (9) share favouritism for the Epsom at $4.50 ahead of Top RankedĀ ($6) and FangirlĀ ($7).
