No false impressions exist for Adrian Bott concerning Watson’s prospects in the Eskimo Prince Stakes, with the trainer depending on the developing three-year-old’s fitness lead.
The horse stays perfect from two starts this prep, surging to victory emphatically at Kembla Grange before dominating proceedings at Canterbury similarly.
Bott links the better results to the post-debut gelding intervention, as Watson approaches his greatest trial in Saturday’s Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) held at Randwick.
“He was gelded after that first ‘prep’ and that’s a big factor in the improvement we’ve seen in him. His two runs have been excellent,” Bott said.
“He wasn’t coltish, but things weren’t falling into place. He would show something at home but under pressure in trials or on race day, he was doing a few things wrong and mentally wasn’t ready yet.
“It has helped him focus on what needs to be done and bring that work we’ve seen at home to the races.”
Watson encounters seven challengers at the venue, including Golden Rose each-way bets Wodeton and Tempted, stakes scorer Napoleonic, and premium top-rated Rivellino.
All others resume, prompting Bott to value Watson’s match fitness from fresh wins as a counter to his inexperience at the highest level.
“That’s the biggest advantage he’s got going into the race is that bit of race fitness that he’s carrying. He’s coming off two nice wins and there is further improvement again,” he said.
Tulloch Lodge maintains a potent presence in the day’s top contest, the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m), through Golden Gift medallist Plagiarism.
The colt, Bott asserts, mirrors their 2024 success Fully Lit at an equivalent stage, syndication by RedFox Racing for each.
“Fully Lit had the one run going into it in that preparation. Plagiarism has had the benefit of experience from a previous campaign, so he’s well-seasoned in that regard,” he said.
“He looks a natural running two-year-old, which we saw (in the Golden Gift).
“I think that form will stack up, and he seems to be back in good shape off the back of a couple of nice trials.”
Don’t miss the betting markets for the race ahead of Watson’s tilt at Eskimo Prince Stakes glory.
The post Fitness advantage key for Watson in Eskimo Prince Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
