Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are aiming for their first Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) win as a training partnership when they send out Royal Patronage and Major Beel for the Group 1 contest at Randwick on Saturday.
Royal Patronage, last seen finishing third in the 7 Stakes (1600m) behind Fangirl, is the $7 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, and Bott is hopeful that the gelding’s tactical speed can help him overcome a wide barrier draw in 17.
“First-up he showed great tactical speed over the 1400 metres, if he’s able to do that again, he can easily offset that draw,” Bott said.
“In the 7 Stakes, he got himself in an awkward position, so we’d like to see him being on the front foot out of the gate.”
Major Beel is also well-fancied after kicking off his five-year-old campaign with a win over 1600 metres at Randwick, followed by a close fifth in the 7 Stakes.
“It was an honest performance,” Bott said of that effort.
“He led and gave them a great sight and wasn’t beaten far. Last preparation, we felt he didn’t quite see out the staying trips.
“The transition from three-year-old company to open staying ranks is not easy.
“We thought we’d start by trying to keep him sharp for a few of those mile to 2000-metre races, and then if needed, we could stretch him out.
“But for now, he’s been effective enough to keep him at that trip.”
Winona Costin will ride Major Beel from barrier nine, chasing her maiden Group 1 win, while Tim Clark partners Royal Patronage.
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