Global Weekly Preview - 13.03.15
J A McGrath
13 March, 2015
Godolphin jockeys James Doyle and William Buick make a swift return to the Australian racing scene this weekend, riding in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.
Godolphin jockeys James Doyle and William Buick make a swift return to the Australian racing scene this weekend, riding in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.
But the main focus will be on Hartnell, who impressed on his first run in Australia when he flew home for second to Contributer in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm.
Trainer John O'Shea revised plans for Hartnell by keeping him in Sydney for the Sky High Stakes, over 2,000 metres at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. He had originally contemplated sending the Godolphin staying prospect to Melbourne for the Australian Cup.
Hartnell has drawn barrier nine in the 10-runner Sky High field and is expected to be sent off hot favourite. James McDonald takes the mount.
Doyle, who was aboard Hartnell first-up in Sydney, has three rides at Melbourne's Super Saturday card at Flemington. Buick has two mounts for Team Godolphin at Rosehill Gardens.
The two major races at Flemington could be among the most important run all year. Hugh Bowman takes the mount on the Ed Dunlop-trained Red Cadeaux, who makes a welcome return to Flemington -- where he has finished second in three Melbourne Cups -- for the G1 Australian Cup.
The 2,000 metres may be short of his optimum trip but he can be expected to be running home strongly, which will be good grounding for his Sydney targets later in the autumn. He is being set for the BMW and the Sydney Cup next month.
One of his key rivals is Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, to be partnered by Craig Williams. Bold front-runner The Cleaner is also in the line-up.
Lankan Rupee, as brilliant as he is, has a big task in being asked to give rival Terravista 2kg in the G1 Newmarket Handicap, over 1,200 metres. Chautauqua and Brazen Beau are the other 'Giants' of the sprinting ranks also taking their chance.
