Knoydart Bids To Eclipse Galaxy Rivals

Time/Date - 15.50hrs local time/Saturday, March 21, 2015 Racecourse/Country - Rosehill Gardens/Australia Surface/Distance - Turf/5f 110y

Knoydart is out to build on a promising comeback run as he returns to Group One level in the Canadian Club Galaxy over five and a half furlongs at Rosehill Gardens, Australia, on Saturday, March 21.

The John O'Shea-trained five-year-old quickened well in the closing stages to take fourth to Miracles Of Life on his first appearance for nine months in the Group Two Hyland Race Colours Challenge Stakes over five furlongs at Royal Randwick on March 7.

He stayed on well to finish fifth in the Group One James Boag's Doomben 10,000 over just short of seven furlongs at Doomben in May and was runner-up in the six-furlong Group Three Ticketek Hall Mark Stakes at Royal Randwick in April.

Knoydart, a dual Listed winner, was third in two of Australia's premier Group One sprints last season - the six-furlong Lexus Newmarket Handicap at Flemington and Caulfield's Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate over half a furlong shorter.

John O'Shea said: "Knoydart has really pleased us since his excellent first-up effort. We have kept him nice and fresh and ticking over.

"From gate two, he hopefully won't find himself too far back on the inside rail but he presents into this race really well.

"He is a previous Group One-placed horse and the only issue may be that he would prefer a genuine six furlongs but he is in great order and should have every opportunity to rattle home and be in the finish."

Knoydart, who races off 8st 8lb and is ridden by James McDonald again, tackles 13 other sprinters including Miracles Of Life and Group Two winners Deep Field, Rubick and Sweet Idea.