Brad Widdup is confident that both race experience and a favourable draw can give Internal Affairs the edge when he lines up in the Listed Inglis Nursery at Randwick.

A $440,000 son of Home Affairs, the colt is the second most expensive youngster in Saturday’s 1000m event, surpassed only by debutant Vatican, a $1.2 million yearling.

Internal Affairs debuted last month when working early from a wide draw before sticking on gamely to finish fourth behind Fireball.

Widdup considered spelling the colt but, encouraged by how well he recovered, opted to keep him in work and target this race.

“I thought, do I tip him out or just tick him over for this race to see how he comes through? He has come through really well, so it was a bit of a no-brainer to go around,” Widdup said.

“It’s good prizemoney, not a big field. He has well and truly got enough ability.”

Drawn in barrier three, Internal Affairs should naturally race on speed, although Widdup wants rider Tom Sherry to find cover if possible.

With more than half the field made up of first-starters, Widdup hopes his colt’s race-day education proves a genuine advantage.

“He is a pretty straightforward animal. He would have learned a lot the other day,” Widdup said.

“Unless you get something out of the box that is very good, race experience always helps.”

Widdup also saddles Hyperbolic in the In Memory of Sam Kavanagh Handicap (1600m) and believes the mare is ready to progress through her grades.

“We have been very patient with her, and now she is at this age, she should be cherry-ripe to go through her grades,” he said.

“She’s a nice mare and I’m more than hopeful that she can go on with it.”

A winner of four from twelve starts, Hyperbolic again has Tommy Berry aboard after their recent Rosehill success.

For updated odds on the Inglis Nursery, compare Australia’s leading bookmakers at this betting sites guide.