Glyn Schofield preparing for Guineas assault with Prized Icon
QUALITY colt Prized Icon is searching for a group one in three consecutive campaigns and jockey Glyn Schofield is happy to be a part of the ride.
The James Cummings-trained star won the Victorian Derby last preparation and the Group 1 Randwick Guineas this Saturday is the target this time around.
Schofield believes Prized Icon is a touch underrated, given its race record to date.
“There isn’t many horses that are able to do that, win a group (race) at every preparation, and he is a little underestimated,” Schofield said.
“He has a goal at each of his preparations and got the job done. He is getting to a trip where he is effective.”
The son of Fastnet Rock won the Champagne Stakes at Randwick as a two-year-old which holds it in good stead and a wet track shouldn’t put punters off.
“He has done well, he has tightened up a bit and if there is a bit of rain around that won’t worry him,” Schofield said.
“It is another furlong and the Randwick mile holds no fears for him. He has got speed and a bit of stamina and that is what you need at the Randwick mile and he has won a group one there before.”
Hong Kong jockeys needed for Randwick
Sydney trainers have been forced to engage Hong Kong-based jockeys for the upcoming Randwick meeting on Saturday.
Godolphin has booked Zac Purton to ride Trekking, Impending and Malaise which lines up in the Randwick Guineas after three consecutive placings.
Stable rider James Doyle is still out of action due to a broken wrist and the options were thin for trainer John O’Shea.
“With James (Doyle) still out for another week with his wrist we had to find a jockey for these horses and there weren’t a lot of options with the group one meeting in Melbourne,” O’Shea said.
“Zac was able to come out and he might be here more for us during the carnival.
“James saw the doctor last week, he was hoping to be right for Saturday but it looks like we will have him back next week, which will be handy.”
Chris Waller also needed to find an offshore rider for Comin’ Through in the Randwick, but he won’t mind settling for champion jockey Joao Moreira.
“Joao is always a good option when you can get him and he is in good form, he won a group one at Caulfield,” Waller said.
“I think we are getting him out here on very good chance in a group one. I was happy enough with Comin’ Through in the Hobartville last time and I think he will be at his best at the mile.”
Oak Door to get its shot at Australian Guineas
The Australian Guineas is run at Flemington on Saturday and the Robert Smerdon-trained Oak Door has been given its shot at the big time.
It wasn’t long ago that Oak Door was competing in midweek grades, but after a last start win in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes, Oak Door and stablemate Theanswerismyfriend will likely line up in Saturday’s Australian Guineas.
“We thought we’d give him the chance at the higher level,” Smerdon said.
“They’re only three-year-olds once. So we’ll roll the dice.
“He was in the early nominations so it was in the back of our mind. But when he came out here and won the group two then you had to give it serious consideration.”
Theanswerismyfriend is currently $13 to win at Sportsbet.com.au with Oak Door the lesser-fancied at $21, despite being number 30 in the ballot.
“Theanswermyfriend will be paid up for but he is number 30 in the ballot,” Smerdon said.
“We’ll see whether he makes the cut. Those declarations were taken last Tuesday so it’s a current batch.
“If he doesn’t get a run he’ll run in the 1400-metre race.”
2017 Australian Guineas market
Hey Doc – $4.50
Comin’ Through – $9
Ellicazoom – $11
Morton’s Fork – $11
Harlow Gold – $13
Divine Prophet – $13
Attention – $13
Land Of Plenty – $13
Foxplay – $13
Theanswerismyfriend – $13
Farson (doubtful) – $15
So Si Bon – $17
Redouble – $19
Legless Veuve – $19
Seaburge – $19
Oak Door – $21
Prized Icon (unlikely) – $21
Malaise – $21
Inside Agent – $26
Nurse Kitchen – $26
Inference – $26
Jennifer Lynn – $26
Fuhryk – $31
Derryn – $41
Cliff Hanger – $41
For a full Australian Guineas market head to Sportsbet.com.au, or check out our Guineas preview later this week.