Randwick challenge thrown out to Almanzora

A pair of talented Godolphin two-year-olds are positioned to make the most of the absence of the top echelon of juveniles when they run at Randwick on Saturday.

Almanzora, a filly who made a big impression when winning on debut a month ago, gets the chance to repeat the victory in the G2 Percy Sykes Stakes with Toga Picta to run in the Listed Fernhill Handicap.

Trainer John O’Shea acknowledges that Almanzora (Corey Brown) faces a considerable challenge, but he is more than happy to offer her the opportunity.

“It’s a massive jump in grade for her, but at this early stage of their lives they seem to be able to do it,” said trainer John O’Shea

“She was extremely dominant when she won. She got through the heavy ground well and the horse she beat came out and won at his next start.

“They’re all endearing qualities and we’ve always felt that she’s as good a two-year-old filly as we have.

“I’d have loved to have had her up and going a little earlier, but I’m sure she’ll acquit herself very well.”

The slightly more experienced Toga Picta (James Doyle) is also a debut winner who has finished fourth at his only two subsequent starts in Victoria.

He runs in a race that, at 1600m, offers the first opportunity of the season for two-year-olds to get beyond sprint distances.

“He was ridden upside down at Mornington, so we’ll ride him more conservatively this week,” O’Shea said.

“He’ll be very effective in the ground, he’s very fit and I’d forgive him his run the other day – the effort was there but the execution was poor.”