While currently holding favouritism for the Caulfield Cup and anticipated to perform well over extended distances, jockey Rachel King is not ruling out an upset performance from Green Spaces in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick.

The Australian Derby victor was seen making ground late when finishing eighth behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m) last month. Although the mile of the Chelmsford Stakes is shorter than his ideal, he did previously win Newcastle’s Spring Stakes over the same distance as a three-year-old.

King, who rode him that day, indicated that the entire remains a genuine winning contender this weekend.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” King stated.

“I know it was only a Spring Stakes at Newcastle, but he did win that over a mile convincingly so he can do it over this distance. It’s obviously a different gravy against these types of horses, but the way he ran first-up against those really top class weight-for-age horses, he’s in for a really good ‘prep’.”

With Attica withdrawn and set to compete in the Tramway Stakes (1400m), Green Spaces will now face seven other rivals in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), including prominent contenders Ceolwulf, Fangirl, and the previous year’s champion, Lindermann.

King acknowledges the challenge ahead but anticipates an efficient run from Green Spaces, benefiting from his inside barrier, and expects him to be strong in the closing stages.

“He’ll appreciate stepping up in trip and it’s a slightly easier field. He’s not against some of the superstars like he was first-up, but there are still good horses in it,” she commented.

“Drawn a nicer gate as well makes it a little bit easier. He’s building up towards his pet distance, not quite there yet, but I think he can still run a good race on Saturday.”

King is scheduled to ride in nine of the ten races at Randwick, with four of those rides being for Green Spaces’ trainer, Bjorn Baker, including the filly Rachini in the Furious Stakes (1400m).