Promising country sprinter Lord Remlap has bolstered his claims for the Kosciuszko, extending his perfect winning record with a hard-fought Highway Handicap triumph at Randwick.
The four-year-old, now at $8 for the October feature, secured his fourth consecutive win from as many starts on Saturday. This was achieved despite navigating a wide path from his outside barrier.
Trainer Scott Singleton admitted he had concerns regarding the draw prior to the race but maintained his composure during the event, such was his conviction in the horse’s ability.
“I never felt panicked,” Singleton stated. “I’ve just got a bit of faith in him. I haven’t had too many this promising, and we thought that even before he had a race start. He’s still not the finished article yet, but he’s big, he eats up, and he will come on from that. Bright future for him.”
The draw for the Kosciuszko sweepstake is scheduled for Wednesday, making Lord Remlap’s Highway Handicap (1200m) win particularly opportune.
The gelding, who previously won at Scone twice and on Randwick’s Kensington track earlier this year, is expected to draw significant attention from slot holders, particularly given his favourable market position.
Singleton confirmed their strong desire to compete and that preparations had been geared towards this objective for an extended period.
“We gave him a break and brought him back at the right time of year, just with the hunch that he is good enough,” he explained. “The timing is right to set him up in the right way.”
Singleton had Melody Again finish in eighth place in the Kosciuszko (1200m) last year, but believes Lord Remlap will be better suited to the sprint distance.
“I had Melody Again in it last year but the 1200 was just a bit short for her,” he commented. “This horse, I’ve always felt he’s the most promising horse I’ve had. Whether it turns out that way once he does a bit of racing time will tell. But I think he’s definitely better than Highways.”
Ridden by Mikayla Weir, Lord Remlap ($5) triumphed by a short neck over Move She Can ($91), with Bengal ($41) finishing a further half-length back in third.
Keep an eye on the Kosciuszko for Lord Remlap. For the best odds, check out these Australian betting sites.
