Bangkok Hottie, despite her strong showings to claim the middle two races of the four-event Princess Series, is not the favourite for the Randwick finale. Early betting suggests punters are favouring Striking Alibi to reverse recent placings.
Striking Alibi remains a firm market selection at $2.60, with Bangkok Hottie at $3.10. Notably, Bangkok Hottie has finished ahead of Striking Alibi in both the Furious Stakes (1200m) and the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).
Both fillies will step up to a mile for the first time in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) this Saturday. Bangkok Hottie’s regular jockey, Kerrin McEvoy, expressed surprise at the market sentiment, asserting that the David Payne-trained filly possesses superior form.
"It’s funny how everyone is always looking at the horses running on, but they’re just forgetting the obvious," McEvoy stated.
"It doesn’t worry myself, or David, or the filly.
"She’s been doing it well. They’ve all got to tick the mile box, and I’m confident she can."
McEvoy has cultivated a successful partnership with Bangkok Hottie, guiding her to a hard-luck second in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) before achieving consecutive victories together.
He recalled his 2013 Flight Stakes triumph aboard Guelph, a mare who exhibited comparable lead-up form and, much like Bangkok Hottie, demonstrated the adaptability to lead or race from off the pace.
"Both big and strong, well-made early season three-year-olds," McEvoy remarked when drawing parallels between the two.
"Well made, well put together, and with that bit of strength about them. Plus quality as well. Both have those attributes."
The jockey highlighted Bangkok Hottie’s astute racing intelligence as a key factor that instils confidence in his ability to manage her energy reserves for a strong finish, even with the increased distance.
"She’s got a good mindset for it and switches on once the gates open," he commented.
"We’ve built a nice little association, and it gives you good confidence going forward that she’s versatile and can adapt to the situation going out to the mile."
McEvoy is also scheduled to ride Headwall in the Premiere Stakes (1200m) and The Everest (1200m). The Matt Smith-trained sprinter has been confirmed to carry the slot of prominent owners Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, and associates.
Although McEvoy has previously trialled Headwall, Saturday will mark his first race mount. With a favourable low draw, he anticipates a strong showing.
"Great sprinter and I’m really pleased to pick up that ride for the Premiere and the Everest," McEvoy said. "It will be nice to have a ride on him on Saturday before the big one. He’s come back in good order and drawn barrier two, I’m happy with that."
Alongside Bangkok Hottie, Headwall is among McEvoy’s significant rides at Randwick, which also includes Attica in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m).
Check out the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.
