Chelmsford Stakes Test For Complacent & Hartnell

Time/Date - 15.45hrs local time/Saturday, September 5, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Royal Randwick/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/1m

Hartnell and Complacent line up in the Group Two Tattersalls Club Chelmsford Stakes over a mile at Royal Randwick on Saturday, September 5.

The two Godolphin runners, both by Authorized, are trained by John O'Shea, with James McDonald aboard Hartnell and Sam Clipperton partnering Complacent.

Hartnell won two of his four starts last season, headed by a superb success in the Group One The BMW over 12 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on March 28.

The four-year-old was also successful in the Group Three McGrath Estate Agents Sky High Stakes over 10 furlongs at the same course and chased home stable companion Contributer when the half-length second in the Group One Liverpool City Council Chipping Norton Stakes over a mile at Warwick Farm.

Complacent made his first start in almost two years when 12th in the Group Two Pro-Ride Warwick Stakes over seven furlongs after being almost run off the course at Royal Randwick on August 22. He was a smart performer in 2013, when his three victories included the Group One Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs at Royal Randwick.

John O'Shea commented: "First-up from a spell, Hartnell presents into this race following two exceptional trials.

"He is a much bigger and stronger horse this preparation but not as forward as he has been previously. In saying that, from gate 10 he should be able to lob into the first four to five and I think that is where the winner of this race will come from.

"Hartnell is in wonderful order and, despite being nowhere near his peak fitness, whatever beats him home will win the race.

"Second-up from a spell, Complacent has bounced back nicely from his unlucky performance first-up where he was run off the track. He will appreciate the soft draw in gate six, the soft ground and his work has been first class. I wouldn't expect him to be in the finish but still anticipate seeing him beat more home than those behind him."

They face 14 other starters including Group One Doomben Cup winner Pornichet and recent Warwick Stakes victor Royal Descent.