He had to contend with barrier 18 when saluting in last year’s Doncaster Mile at Royal Randwick but defending champion Mr Brightside has fared much better drawing gate two of 24 in this year’s edition of the $4 million feature.
The son of Bullbars, and already winner of over $5.8 million in earnings, has firmed from $6 into $5 with betr.com.au after lobbing with the favourable starting position whilst the other fancied runners haven’t been so fortunate. Chris Waller’s Fangirl ($6 out to $7) will have to navigate from barrier 19 (before emergency scratchings) and other pre-draw contenders Zougotcha ($8 – gate 13) and Alligator Blood ($11 – gate 12) also need a a touch of luck in running on Saturday.
Godolphin’s three-year-old colt Golden Mile ($26) will jump from the middle of the pack in barrier 11 and stable representative Darren Beadman believes that is ideal as the Astern progeny is looking to bounce back from an ordinary George Ryder effort on March 18.
“His run the other day, he just muffed the start a little bit and he over raced and was a little bit keen. When you’re taking on the likes of Anamoe and horses of that nature you can’t afford to be doing anything wrong,” Beadman said.
“Obviously big field on Saturday, he’s drawn a nice gate for his pattern of racing, nice light weight.
“Three-year-olds have got a nice record (in the Doncaster). He’s in with a huge chance.”
The Winx stand at Randwick also played host to the barrier draw for the $2 million Australian Derby on Tuesday morning, with race favourite Sharp ‘N’ Smart not on the right side of the barrier gods. The Graeme and Deborah Rogerson-prepared Kiwi copped the second widest marble in 17 and has since drifted from $3.20 to $3.50 in unibet’s market.
Co-trainer Graeme Rogerson wasn’t as fazed as the market reaction and marvelled at the ability of his Redwood gelding to take it all in his stride.
“He’s a gem. He eats and works, he loves traveling,” Rogerson said.
“This is his third trip across the Tasman and he’s only three.
“Hughie (Bowman) is riding him. He can go forward, he can go back, three-wide. He can do whatever he wants.
“Only needs an ounce of luck and they’ll know he’s there. He’s a real good horse.”
Another New Zealand raider Mark Twain ($8) has drawn handily in barrier five, while last year’s Victorian Derby winner Manzoice ($11) will be looking to slot in somewhere from gate 14.