An ageless stable favourite and an out-of-the-box newcomer represent opposite ends of the training spectrum for Joe Pride at Randwick.
While Destiny’s Kiss has built an imposing track record over 76 starts, the unraced Bad Boy For Love is virtually an unknown quantity as Pride takes the unusual step of rolling out a juvenile before the New Year.
“It is the other end of the spectrum isn’t it? That showcases what our stable can do,” Pride said.
“We’re not afraid to take a two-year-old to the races if they put their hand up.”
Bad Boy For Love starts out in a Maiden Handicap (1000m) after two trials earlier this month.
Pride has around 30 two-year-olds going through his system each season and the $20,000 yearling for Colin and Megan Branthwaite so far looks a cut above his contemporaries.
“Not many make it the races around Christmas but this bloke has shown he’s got maturity so I don’t mind testing him out,” he said.
Veteran Destiny’s Kiss runs in the Group Three Summer Cup (2000m), a regular season assignment for the nine-year-old.
Pride is hoping rain forecast for Christmas Day will eventuate to assist the gelding who prefers the sting out of the track.
Destiny’s Kiss struck a good surface in the Group Two Villiers Stakes at Randwick last weekend while the 1600 metres also did him no favours.
“He’s clearly a better horse on wet tracks, particularly over the shorter distances because they can leave him behind a bit,” Pride said.
“Over 2400 it doesn’t matter as much but around 2000 he needs a little bit of help.”
Pride expects Destiny’s Kiss to bounce back from his Villiers run and be in even better shape for the Listed Tattersalls Club Cup at Randwick on New Year’s Day.
“He’ll be better getting to 2000, and better again on Tatts’ Cup Day,” he said.
The Listed Gosford Cup and Australia Day Cup are also on the agenda again before Destiny’s Kiss rests up for a late autumn campaign.
