Trainer Grahame Begg has praised Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club for their programming of the HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic.

The Listed race for three-year-olds over 1100m, with $500,000 in prize money, has drawn 18 runners. Begg believes it’s a perfect lead-up race to the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick on April 12, though he noted his horse, Rich Dottie, is unlikely to travel north.

“It’s a very good race and deserving of better status,” Begg said. “It sets them up to go to the Arrowfield Sprint, and the 1100m is a good distance.”

Rich Dottie enters the race after two starts this campaign. Her first-up effort at Caulfield on February 8 was disappointing, but she was narrowly beaten in her last start at Saturday’s course on March 1.

“She ran well up the straight and just got beaten,” Begg said. “She likes firm ground, and we’re under no illusions—it’s a strong field.”

Depending on her performance, Rich Dottie could head to the Listed Redelva Stakes in Adelaide on April 12, especially with heavy rain predicted in Sydney.

“They’re tipping armageddon in Sydney,” Begg added. “Her two starts on wet ground, she’s been hopeless.”