Trainer Jamie Edwards is delighted with the ever-improving conditions of the Royal Randwick surface ahead of an appearance for stable star Sertorius in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) on day 2 of the inaugural The Championships this afternoon.
Trainer Jamie Edwards is increasingly confident in 2014 Sydney Cup chances for Sertorius. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Unable to handle the heavy going when a fighting fourth in the Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) on a wet Randwick surface last weekend, Edwards told AAP the improving weather has allowed a far firmer track than that experienced on day 1 of The Championships.
“I would think that the horse will run. The track is significantly better than what it was last Saturday” Edwards said.
“It’s not a bottomless track like it was on Saturday.
“We got found out pretty badly on a bog, heavy track but I think the horse goes through a slow-to-heavy track.”
While yet to contest a competitive event over the limit of 2600 metres, Edwards is confident Sertorius will register a prime run over the two miles of the Sydney Cup.
“If he’s ever going to run two miles it will be Saturday” Edwards said.
“The horse has actually put on a little bit of weight which is quite amazing.
“He’s had two runs over a mile-and-a-half in two weeks and he hasn’t left a single bit of feed. He’s drinking a lot of water and he’s bright and well and very fit.”
Securing an impressive total of nine wins and 12 places from 30 race starts to date, the Galileo gelding contested a particularly strong 2013 spring preparation, finishing worse than second just once in six appearances which also delivered wins in the Listed Bendigo Cup (2400m) and Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m).
Returning to the track in competitive form this time in, Sertorius was unlucky to finish second behind Moment Of Change in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) first-up before placing third amongst classy competition in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) on March 8th.
Competing well to finishing fifth in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) on March 22nd, Sertorius more than stamped his claims as a stayer to watch over spring when sprinting hard for fourth in the Group 1 The BMW (2400m) on Golden Slipper day, on what were similar track conditions to what is expected for this afternoon’s Sydney Cup.
Having firmed slightly as track conditions have improved, Sertorius is currently offered at generous $8.50 odds in betting markets for success in the Group 1 Sydney Cup.
Winner of the Chairman’s Handicap most recently, wet weather specialist The Offer is currently sole occupant of the top line of Sydney Cup betting at $3.80 odds, ahead of Who Shot Thebarman ($6.50).
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