A mare on the way up and another at the crossroads of her racing career will fly the flag for trainer Brad Widdup at Randwick.
Progressive talent Queen Bellissimo, the first horse Widdup has prepared for retail giant Gerry Harvey, will attempt to build on her already impressive record in the Midway Handicap (1200m), while Switched resumes in the Schweppes Sprint (1000m).
An strong winner at The Gong meeting two starts ago, Queen Bellissimo had to do the bullocking work behind a pair of tearaway leaders at Rosehill last start and did a fine job to finish a close third behind El Buena and Tamerlane.
“She is starting to build a good record and I couldn’t be happier with her,” Widdup said.
“She was pretty brave in defeat last start. She did all the donkey work and she did a great job. She seems to have trained on well.”
The usually consistent Switched returns after an uncharacteristically average campaign during the autumn and winter when she managed just one placing from seven runs.
She does boast an outstanding fresh record, so Widdup has put her on notice to perform.
“I wasn’t overly pleased with her last preparation. Her first run was good then I took her to Melbourne and she ran into a bit of track bias but then she didn’t come on as well I would have liked,” Widdup said.
“In saying that, she wasn’t disgraced, she just wasn’t her normal self, so we gave her a good spell.
“I have been happy enough with her this time in. If she doesn’t shape up quickly, she will probably be retired and go to stud.
“But I’ve got her pretty forward so hopefully she can perform.”
Queen Bellissimo is a $3.90 favourite for the Midway while Switched is a $19 chance for her assignment.