1600m specialist Doubt Defying will be right at home on a wet surface when he lines up in the Group 2 $250,000 Fugen Construction Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Doubt Defying, above, will handle a rain affected track for the Villiers Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Doubt Defying has had one run on a heavy track for a win plus two wins and second from four runs on a soft rated track.
The Randwick track was rated a Soft 6 on Friday morning before more rain swept across Sydney with more showers forecast for Saturday.
“It’s certainly not going to hurt his chances. He’s a horse that is effective on wet or dry equally,’’ trainer Steve O’Dea told New South Wales News Racing Desk.
Doubt Defying also has an outstanding record over 1600m with three wins from four attempts and also has a win at Randwick over 1400m in October.
“The big track and a mile suits him well, he’s only had four runs at a mile for three wins and the one time he was unplaced he pulled up sore and had to have six months out,” O’Dea said.
“He’s a clean winded horse, he had a nice gallop on Tuesday so I’m pleased where he’s at fitness wise.’’
“It’s a handy field but he’s definitely right there in the mix.
“He’s drawn a nice gate, he’s not going to be too far from the speed. There looks to be three or four that can roll forward and he’ll probably find himself with a nice soft run in behind.
“He’s a horse that’s really strong at the end of his races and seems to relish these big tracks.’’
O’Dea campaigned Doubt Defying in Victoria during the Spring and was rewarded with a win in the Listed $200,000 Ladbrokes Sale Cup (1600m) at Sale before running sixth to Trap For Fools in the Group 1 $2m Seppelt Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 10.
Doubt Defying has drawn nicely at barrier three in the fourteen horse Villiers Stakes field and the Aquis Farm owned five year old will be ridden by retained jockey Michael Walker.
Doubt Defying is sharing the third line of betting for the Villiers Stakes at $8 with My Nordic Hero at Ladbrokes.com.au while Sky Boy sits at the top of the market order at $3 ahead of Gaulois at $7.50.
