David Payne's Hurried Choice
Going to be a tough horse to beat today at Randwick!
Article:
David Payne will head to Randwick with only two runners on Saturday and hopes to come away with a pair of Group Ones, courtesy of exciting three-year-olds Hurried Choice and Guillotine.
The former South African is expecting forward showings from both horses but is realistic about their chances.
"They both have to take on older horses that are fit and getting near the top of their games," Payne said.
"But they could surprise a few people and it would be nice to come away with some black type for both of them."
Hurried Choice will look to continue three-year-olds' great record in the Group One Inglis Galaxy (1100m). Nine out of the last 15 winners of the race have been three-year-olds and the Choisir filly has the right form to keep that trend going.
She has been outstanding since the equine influenza crisis, running a second to smart sprinter Al Be Nimble before recording two wins, the latest in the Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Randwick three weeks ago.
"It's (Hurried Choice's) toughest test but her sectionals last time were very good and it will be interesting to see how she handles these top sprinters," Payne said.
"She's drawn well and should be able to take up a position but it is hard to know how she will handle the step up in grade."
TAB Sportsbet has posted last winner Magnus a $3.80 top elect to defend his crown with Hurried Choice at $5.50 alongside Typhoon Zed.
Guillotine has carried the tag as a potential AJC Australian Derby horse for more than a year and will start his final preparation towards the Classic on April 26 in the Group One Bisley Workwear Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) after a false start last week.
"It was a shambles last week with the bad draw and big weight so I decided to wait a week and let him take on the big boys," Payne said. "It might be unusual for Australian horses to start their preps at a mile but back home I wouldn't hesitate to start one off at 2000m.
"He has done plenty of ground work and needs to have a run because the Derby is coming up quickly.
"If he can prove competitive against Group One horses like Racing To Win and Desert War first-up, we are in for an exciting time."
Racing To Win has been installed a $1.60 favourite for the Chipping Norton with Guillotine given little chance by TAB Sportsbet at $21.
"He'll probably back up in the Randwick Guineas next week but his main missions are the Rosehill Guineas and the Derby," Payne said.
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