Randwick runners
While unkind draws will challenge Go Racing’s midweek runners at Randwick tomorrow, Albert Bosma is excited about his two Chris Waller-trained European stayers stepping out.
Raqeeq is in race 6 the benchmark 78 1800 metres worth $50,000.
“This step up in distance will really suit. He’s had one race already in this campaign and he’s a lot better for it. He was doing his best work late on a track that was a bit too wet for him, so we expect him to run better tomorrow.”
Albert admits that the wide barrier draw makes it awkward for the five year-old by CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB) and that the team were hoping the track would be better than a soft 6.
“He’ll have to get back in the in the running but over 1800 metres we expect he will be finishing off well. Jockey Brenton Avdulla has ridden a winner for us before and so we have every confidence in him. The horse is coming up well and should improve again for the run.”
Stablemate four-year-old Obelos by NEW APPROACH (IRE) has had no more luck drawing barrier 17 in race 8 the benchmark 70 over 1400 metres.
Says Albert, “His first run in Australia over 1300 metres didn’t pan out how we would have wanted. The track was quite wet and he had to chase the tear away leader and drag the field up. He didn’t handle the track well and it was a hard run for him.”
But he’s a horse the team have a high opinion of and top rider Kerryn McEvoy is sticking with him for the ride.
“We will ride him differently, get him back, relaxed and in a good rhythm and look to have him finishing off strongly. Kerryn will give him a good experience above anything but if gaps come his way he can win it.”