A lightly raced European import with form around one of the world’s best racehorses will add to the spring carnival flavour at Randwick when he makes his Australian debut.
Wren’s Day finished second in last year’s Group One Prix Ganay in France under the care of trainer Andre Fabre, beating all bar Cracksman who was named best horse in the world in 2018, an accolade he shared with Winx.
Wren’s Day has raced just once since, finishing down the track behind 2017 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Talismanic in a Group Three race in France before he was transferred to Godolphin’s Australian operation.
It is a similar path to that carved by Avilius, who was also prepared by Fabre before joining James Cummings and stamping himself as one of Australia’s best weight-for-age horses over a middle distance with a Group One double in the autumn.
Like Avilius, Wren’s Day holds a nomination for the 2019 Cox Plate and judging by his recent barrier trial win he has adapted well to local conditions.
The Godolphin six-year-old will line up for James McDonald in Saturday’s Spring Preview Handicap (1400m), taking on a field that includes reigning Metropolitan Handicap winner Patrick Erin and improving miler Seaway.
A last-start winner of the Winter Challenge, Seaway will have the benefit of race fitness and Star Thoroughbred’s Denise Martin hopes he can continue to push his claims for an Epsom Handicap start.
“He doesn’t like really heavy tracks but his win at Rosehill last start was really good and he’s certainly a chance on Saturday,” Martin said.
“Chris said after he won last time he thought he could well be a light-weight Epsom chance so we’ll see how he progresses in the next four to five weeks.”
Seaway is one of only four Star Thoroughbreds horses who don’t carry the syndicator’s famous purple and white colours.
He instead sports the green and white of majority owners Paramount Racing whose silks are inspired by US basketball team, the Boston Celtics.
