Pink skies of optimism lit up the pre-dawn landscape at Osborne Park on the Hawksbury River, 60 kilometres out of Sydney. There was an unmistakable feel of confidence at Godolphin's private training complex ahead of the second day of The Championships, the showcase meeting created by the Australian Turf Club.
Pink skies of optimism lit up the pre-dawn landscape at Osborne Park on the Hawksbury River, 60 kilometres out of Sydney. There was an unmistakable feel of confidence at Godolphin's private training complex ahead of the second day of The Championships, the showcase meeting created by the Australian Turf Club.
And with very good reason. Team Godolphin have excellent chances on Saturday's rich Randwick card, with English purchase Contributer in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes heading the line-up, together with the admirable Hartnell in the two-mile Sydney Cup. Earthquake could also recapture her old sparkle in the Arrowfield Sprint.
John O'Shea, soon to celebrate his first year as Godolphin's No 1 trainer in Australia, has gathered a strong team around him. Tommy Ward and Paul Reid, his two reliable deputies, are responsible for the ebb and flow of equine talent from the luxurious Agnes Banks stables to the secluded 1,800-metre training track, and Darren Beadman, the former champion jockey, takes charge of riding details, clocking, and all technicalities associated with those in the saddle, both in the morning and on raceday.
There is a strong team spirit, and plenty of lively banter on this brisk morning as one Godolphin star after another are fine-tuned for their respective assignments. It is very different to Randwick and Flemington, where there is constant pressure to meet time deadlines every morning. Osborne Park is tranquil, relaxation the norm.
"Horses do well here," O'Shea points out. "There are certain horses we transfer to and from Crown Lodge, our Warwick Farm base, particularly selected younger ones. It is a luxury for a trainer having a private facility like this, and we make sure we use that to full advantage."
The royal blue colours of Godolphin have quickly made their mark in Australia following the livery switch from the Darley 'maroon and white' in July last year. As a colour signature of Dubai and all that it stands for, it has been most effective.
There is every chance that if Contributer can beat his 12 rivals in the A$4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes, over 2,000 metres, he will then be a serious contender for Australian Horse Of The Year. He has won four of his five runs in Australia, including the G1s, the Chipping Norton Stakes and the Ranvet Stakes.
But there is one major obstacle... this time, the five-year-old has drawn the extreme outside gate, no 13.
"It is not ideal, that's for sure," O'Shea chimed in. "But we have to live with it.
"The horse himself has done well in his preparation, which he completed out here at Agnes Banks. He has thrived in Australia," the trainer added.
Chris Waller has taken over the training of Adelaide from Aidan O'Brien, but this is Adelaide's first outing for his new trainer. Adelaide has not run since his stunning victory in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last October, which presents him with a big task against more seasoned contenders.
Ed Dunlop shocked a few pundits when he declared Red Cadeaux for the Queen Elizabeth, over 2,000 metres, rather than the two-mile Sydney Cup on Saturday's card. Even on slower ground, it will be tough for the nine-year-old globetrotter, having his 50th start. The David Hayes-trained Criterion is a more feasible threat.
With no Red Cadeaux in the Sydney Cup, the way should be clear for Godolphin's Hartnell to take advantage of his featherweight of 52kg (8st 3lb) to win the prize. He has escaped all penalties despite being able to win the G1 BMW on his most recent start.
The return to two miles should help Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist but he is badly off at the weights with in-form Hartnell, who is the mount of Tommy Berry.
