Profondo connections stump up for Australian Guineas spot
Richard Litt and connections of Profondo have paid a $27,500 late entry fee for the star colt to run in this Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Guineas (1500m) at Flemington.
The three-year-old justified his $1.9 million price tag when dominating his rivals in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) last October at just his third career start, and now he looks ready to pick up where he left off.
The son of Deep Field does hold a nomination for the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), where he is a $5.50 second favourite behind Anamoe ($1.70), but with the likely heavy track at Randwick this weekend, he is now likely to head to Flemington for a highly anticipated clash with Victoria Derby winner Hitotsu.
We can confirm that Profondo, trained by Richard Litt, has been a late entry this morning for Saturday's $1 million Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). Late entries close at midday, with final acceptances taken on Wednesday morning #Flemington pic.twitter.com/KVqMMRjO4X
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) February 27, 2022
Profondo trialled on February 14 over 1000m and worked through the line to run sixth behind Wild Ruler, Forbidden Love, Top Ranked and Zaaki, but there was more intent in this morning’s trial at Warwick Farm.
Ridden by Robbie Dolan, Profondo sat outside the leader, McGeehan, before cruising away with the prize under relatively easy riding to fend off the challenge from Royalzel.
Litt gave Profondo one final hit-out at the Warwick Farm trials on Monday morning before he begins his autumn campaign this Saturday.
Profondo warms up for his likely Randwick Guineas return with a trial win at Warwick Farm on Monday over Royalzel with a gap to Hasty Duchess in third. @tabcomau @7horseracing @littracing pic.twitter.com/BxM77WM1cx
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) February 27, 2022
With only three starts under his belt, Profondo has earnt almost $650,000 in prizemoney, having won twice and placing second in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at his second career starts.
Since the confirmation of his late acceptance for the Australian Guineas, Profondo has firmed from $7.50 into $5 for the Group 1 feature, while Hitotsu ($4) and Pinstriped ($4.50) top the betting at .
Late entries for the race close at midday (AEDT) on Monday, with final acceptances taken on Wednesday morning.