The trainer Michael Freedman is confident Ninja’s aptitude for racing on the speed will prove pivotal to his hopes in the Group One Randwick Guineas.

His two strongest competitors, Autumn Boy and Attica, often drop out the back, whereas Ninja exhibited versatility in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), following the leader closely en route to a powerful win.

On Saturday, Ninja steps up to the mile for the first occasion, bred from a So You Think mare, prompting Freedman to trial the three-year-old’s ability to carry his speed.

“He has never been tried at it, and there is only one way to find out,” Freedman said.

“His racing style, where he can sit handy if needs be, that’s a big advantage.
I’ve got no more insight into whether he’ll run it out or not, but he will certainly run well.
He’s been very full of himself and right on his feed, so I’m happy to press on.”

Emerging teammate Decorum accompanies Ninja following recent midweek doubles at Warwick Farm that clinched his berth.

Though Freedman predicts Decorum may lack the zip of certain market principals Saturday, he sees value in exposing him to quality opposition as a carnival stepping stone to longer trips.

Decorum’s future could involve the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) or Tulloch Stakes (2000m), and he remains nominated for the ATC Australian Derby (2400m).

“It’s a stepping stone perhaps to something else over a bit further for him, but it gives us a look at him against some of the better quality horses,” Freedman said.

Favourite status in the Randwick Guineas belongs to Victorian Sheza Alibi at $2.50, supplanting Autumn Boy ($2.90), while Ninja trades at $5.50 third-up and Decorum at $10.

Sheza Alibi looks to break new ground as the initial filly winner post-Mosheen’s 2012 effort.

Head to leading betting sites for the latest on Randwick Guineas wagering.