The initial wave of Sydney’s two-year-old contenders is poised to make their mark at Randwick, with a prominent stable expected to field the largest contingent.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are set to unleash five promising juveniles across the two opening races for two-year-olds. Their colts, Flying Houdini and Stasis, will compete in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m), while fillies Bourbon Beat, Outback Affair, and Runaway Diva are slated for the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m).
Tulloch Lodge boasts a strong recent record in the colts and geldings’ feature, having secured victory twice in the last three years and six times over the past two decades. Furthermore, they have produced two of the last four Gimcrack Stakes champions.
Bott indicated that each of the five entrants possesses distinct strengths. While he highlighted Flying Houdini as the most forward of the group, he also 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.”
Flying Houdini, a son of Trapeze Artist, triumphed in his 850m heat at the official two-year-old trials, recording the fastest final 600m sectional among the nine heats. Stasis finished third in the quickest of the colts and geldings heats, a race won by Out Of Bounds, who is not participating this 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’ contest, Runaway Diva emerged victorious in her 850m heat, with both Bourbon Beat and Outback Diva securing second place in their respective races.
Bott characterized Bourbon Beat as “professional,” Runaway Diva as “a tough Anamoe filly,” and suggested that Outback Affair has the greatest potential 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 Breeders’ Plate and Gimcrack Stakes promise an exciting start to the Sydney juvenile season, with these talented youngsters looking to impress.
Punters looking to get involved can explore the available racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.
