Randwick trainer John O’Shea will have four runners on his home track on Saturday, including Ocean Park six-year-old Southern Lad (NZ), who will tackle the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m).
The five-time winner has not raced since finishing fifth in the Gr.3 Show County (1200m) back in August but has had two trials to prepare for Saturday’s assignment.
“I reckon he is as good as we can have him first-up,” O’Shea said.
“He has got a really good first-up record and a good record at the 1200m at Randwick, particularly when he draws well.
“Drawn barrier 2 on Saturday, he will lob just behind the lead and there is a good bit of speed there, which shouldn’t worry him.
“He’s a horse that will look the winner at some stage. He is going really well.”
O’Shea will also have four-win Charm Spirit gelding Kirwan’s Lane (NZ) contest the Drinkwise Mile, and said the horse had excuses at his past couple of starts.
The four-year-old will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla and has drawn the inside barrier.
“He has got a gun gate and when he draws well, he can sit fourth or fifth and he has a blistering turn of speed and he drops significantly in weight,” O’Shea said.
