Randwick is set to welcome the second contingent of two-year-olds for the Kirkham Plate, a race where Royal Accord has now taken over as the early favourite ahead of Jenni In Rome, promising an engaging contest.
Following the initial debut of the season’s youngest horses in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) and Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) three weeks prior, only Gary Kirkup’s Chasing Archer is slated to reappear for Saturday’s sprint.
Currently a $61 outsider after fading to fifth behind Flying Houdini in the Breeders’ Plate, Chasing Archer has seen punters concentrate their attention on Royal Accord from Hawkes Racing and Jenni In Rome, trained by Richard and Will Freedman.
Jenni In Rome had drifted to $4.80 on Thursday, having opened at $3.60 with betting sites, while Royal Accord experienced a significant market move, shortening from $4.60 to $2.80.
Jason Collett, who will ride Jenni In Rome, guided her to a convincing trial victory at Warwick Farm in September and then gave her a relaxed run in a Rosehill heat on Monday, aware she would be racing again soon.
“I loved her trials,” Collett said.
“She showed a lot in the first trial, and we then gave her a quiet trial to give her a good experience.
“She’s still learning. We rode her differently in both trials, she led in one and had to come back and sit outside in another trial. But she’s very good.”
Jenni In Rome, a $130,000 purchase at the Karaka Sale, is a progeny of Sword Of State, the sire of the dual Group 1 victor Warwoven, who achieved a debut win over 1000m at Randwick last December.
The colt now holding favouritism, Royal Accord by Home Affairs, was acquired for $300,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale and boasts two trial wins from as many starts.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes expressed satisfaction with the colt’s progress but acknowledged the difficulty in assessing form given that 11 of the 12 competitors are yet to race.
“He’s trialled well and done everything right,” Hawkes said.
“Obviously, it’s an even race because everything hasn’t had a run. But the horse is well, he’s as good what we can get him for the day.
“He’s drawn well, the 1000 metres will suit and it’s a good starting point.”
Tyler Schiller is set to partner Royal Accord from barrier five, while Jenni In Rome faces a more challenging draw from gate eight.
This race also serves as the debut for Tour De Force, a son of the esteemed sire I Am Invincible and out of the decorated mare Pippie, who claimed the Oakleigh Plate and Moir Stakes in 2020. Notably, at $1.35 million, he stands as the most expensive juvenile in the field.
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