Christmas is a time when many industries wind down but for racing, it is one of the busiest periods of the year.
With Sydney metropolitan meetings on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, the Belle Of The Turf Stakes program at Gosford on Wednesday and city cards on New Years’ Eve and New Year’s Day, the calendar could hardly be more jam-packed.
For trainers, that often means nominating and accepting with horses for several races across different days, and then trying to determine the best option.
It is the scenario Brad Widdup finds himself in ahead of Saturday’s Christmas Eve program at Randwick where he has paid up for three horses but could end up with only one runner – Authentic Jewel in the Grainshaker Australian Vodka Handicap (1200m).
Juvenile Fire Lane, a debut winner of the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle, is not certain to take her place in the Drinkwise Plate (1100m) thanks to the presence of Magic Millions fancies Empire Of Japan and Platinum Jubilee.
“We put her in to have a look at the field and it’s a very good race,” Widdup said.
“I’ll probably decide on Saturday morning but there are options the following week.”
Stablemate Ausbred Flirt is in a similar situation.
She has accepted for Saturday’s The Agency Real Estate Handicap (1600m) but will also be entered for next week’s Group 3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
The winner of her past two states, Ausbred Flirt is expected to be competitive wherever she goes.
“If she draws terribly at Gosford or she’s third emergency, we’ll run Saturday,” he said.
“But if she gets a run at Gosford and draws well, we might roll the dice.”
Authentic Jewel is likely to head to Randwick where Widdup is hoping she can put her best foot forward.
The mare has been mixing her form, narrowly beaten by Dehorned Unicorn at Rosehill two starts ago then overdoing it in front when last to Barossa Rosa at her most recent appearance.
“Mathematically, the other day they just went too hard early and she was no chance of finishing off,” Widdup said.
“She is going well at home but she is just struggling to win.
“She has drawn a good barrier (one) and she likes a dry track so she gets a couple of ticks there.”