The initial group of Sydney’s two-year-old contenders is set to make early impressions at Randwick, with a well-known stable expected to have the most runners.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are preparing five young horses for the two juvenile races. Their colts, Flying Houdini and Stasis, are nominated for the Breeders’ Plate (1000m), and fillies Bourbon Beat, Outback Affair, and Runaway Diva will contest the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m).
Tulloch Lodge has a strong history in the colts and geldings’ race, having won it twice in the last three years and six times over the past two decades. They have also celebrated two victories in the Gimcrack Stakes within the last four runnings.
Bott mentioned that each of the five entrants brings distinct qualities. He pointed to Flying Houdini as the most forward but acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of two-year-old racing.
“Going off their trials, Flying Houdini looks the most ready-made two-year-old type,” Bott said.
“But it’s a big day for them and there’s still a lot to happen. We’ve had multiple runners in them before and maybe the favoured runners haven’t necessarily (done best).”
“They’re getting to the races very early in their careers, and it’s a strong 1000 metres.”
“It can change the dynamics off the back of what we’ve seen in their trials and at home.”
By Trapeze Artist, Flying Houdini won his 850m heat at the official two-year-old trials, clocking the quickest final 600m sectional among the nine heats. Stasis finished third in the fastest colts and geldings heat, behind Out Of Bounds, who will not be competing on Saturday.
“(Flying Houdini) was good in his trial. It was jump and run, and he showed good natural speed,” Bott stated.
“Stasis was a different style of trial, but he was really strong late. He’s really come on nicely from his trial and he’s one we’ll continue to see more of as we go forward.”
In the fillies’ division, Runaway Diva won her 850m heat, while both Bourbon Beach and Outback Diva secured second place in their respective assignments.
Bott described Bourbon Beach as “professional,” Runaway Diva as “a tough Anamoe filly,” and believes Outback Affair has the most room for improvement.
“Outback Affair has gone ahead really well off the trial. It’s switched her on,” he commented.
“I couldn’t fault her work (Tuesday) morning. She’s still got a lot of improvement to come, but there was a fair bit to like about her trial too.”
The opening juvenile races at Randwick promise an exciting start to the Sydney racing season.
Get the latest racing odds and explore a range of betting sites for these promising juveniles.