Dracarys has blitzed a Randwick track record with the help of a strong breeze at his back in winning the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt finished strongly under Sydney’s leading apprentice Andrew Adkins to cover the 1300m in 1min:14.76secs.
Charlie Boy posted the former track record of 1:15.08 last year, while Shards set the previous race benchmark of 1:16.31 in 2015.
Dracarys ($12) nabbed Gold Standard ($5.50) as the post loomed and scored by a long head.
Sanctioned ($6) was 2-1/4 lengths further back in third.
“It’s all about finding his niche and how far he wants,” Paul Snowden said.
“Compared to last preparation he’s a completely different animal.
“All he wants to do is relax and work with you. That’s where we’re attacking this preparation, to see if he can get up to a mile.
“He did his first preparation on raw ability and what we’re seeing now is a much more relaxed horse who keeps buildings into his races.”
Adkins was rapt to record a fourth Group win after the Snowdens and James Harron Bloodstock booked him despite being unable to claim.
“I can’t thank them enough. To get their support on non-claiming races and get a win is outstanding.
“He travelled really well through the race, I had beautiful cover from Calculated,” Adkins said.
“He raced a little bit green down the back there but once he found his feet on the straight he let down and attacked the line like a really nice horse.”
Credit: AAP