Randwick’s heavy track conditions could prove ideal for Rapt as she prepares to tackle the Charity Challenge Handicap (1600m) on Saturday, with trainer Jason Deamer confident the mare will appreciate both the distance and the surface.
A strong finisher, Rapt has three wins from four attempts at the mile, with her lone defeat coming in The Coast (1600m) when blocked for a run turning for home.
“She got shuffled back when the field bunched and lost momentum,” Deamer said. “She wouldn’t have won, but she should’ve finished much closer.”
The five-year-old resumed from a break in the Provincial-Midway Final at Randwick in April, finishing midfield after making up ground late off a modest tempo.
Deamer said her work since has been encouraging and he’s optimistic the wet weather could work in her favour.
“She’s won on heavy going and always gives her best,” he said. “She just needs a strong pace and she’ll be charging late.”
Regular rider Ash Morgan reunites with Rapt and Deamer is pleased to have the experienced jockey back on board.
“Ash knows her well and gets the best out of her,” he said. “If the speed is genuine, I expect her to be in the finish.”
The mare faces strong opposition including Cool Jakey, the Joe Pride-trained favourite who boasts top-class wet track form but is untested at the distance.
“He’s the one to beat, but the mile could test him,” Deamer added. “Rapt loves the mile and has great heavy form. We just need the tempo to play into our hands.”
Tulloch Lodge also enters two runners—Gold Bullion and import Asian Daze—with both bringing solid form lines to the race.
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