By Ray Hickson
Trainer John Sargent has the big picture in mind with three-year-olds China Sea and Powers Of Opal but a surprise Group 1 opportunity has opened up for the latter at Randwick on Saturday.
Trainer John Sargent (Pic: Bradley Photos).
The shock scratching of odds-on favourite Autumn Glow presents the remaining fillies in the Group 1 $750,000 Darley Flight Stakes (1600m) the chance to snare a valuable win at the top level.
Prior to her withdrawal, Sargent was just hopeful but like connections of the other remaining five fillies those hopes are being reassessed.
While still a maiden, the Ocean Park filly signalled her promise with a slashing third in a 1400m Midway at Randwick a month ago where she clocked 32.90 (Punter’s Intelligence) for her last 600m as she ran on from the back.
Sargent said Powers Of Opal , $10 with TAB on Friday, will be an Oaks prospect at some stage this season, whether that comes next month in Melbourne or in the autumn, and the small field will be in her favour.
“She’ll be closer, there’s no reason to ride her back, she can use the draw and ride her how she feels and she’ll relax there,’’ Sargent said.
“I’d like her to run in the money to get some Group 1 black type then we can look at where we go.
“She’s a lot more relaxed now, grown up a bit mentally. As long as she’s hitting the line well I’ll be very happy.”
The Randwick trainer has expectations around China Sea being in the finish of the Listed $200,000 Drinkwise Dulcify Stakes (1600m).
The gelding, a half-brother to Greysful Glamour, ran ninth in the Ming Dynasty (1400m) three weeks ago but Sargent was rapt with how he attacked the line once he finally got to the outside nearing the 200m.
He ran the race’s fastest last 600m of 33.43 and final 200m of 11.31.
“He’s a good horse I think, he showed very good sectionals the last bit,’’ he said.
“I thought he was good enough to go to the JJ Atkins at his second start but it came too soon.
“He raced on speed that day, he won’t be doing that, he’s a different horse this time in.
“He’d have to front up if we think he’s going to go further because it’s an even line up not a top notch line up.”
Sargent is sweating on Hooligan Tommy gaining a start in the Midway Handicap (1800m) as the in-form gelding chases a hat-trick.
Part-owned by Penrith Panthers legend Greg Alexander, a Hooligan Tommy win on grand final weekend would be timely and Sargent said if he makes the field he’ll be competitive.
“That horse is really flying, he’s come back in good order,’’ he said.
“He’s a typical Kiwi, taken time and getting on better tracks. I know he hasn’t beaten much but he’s won them nicely so from the draw he’s going to get a nice soft draw from the gate.
Powers Of Opal runs third at Randwick on September 7
“He’s gone up a level, he’s gained a bit of confidence.”
John Sargent on Autumn Blonde (race 2): “She’s a lovely filly, very strong, you wouldn’t think she’d be running at two with her breeding. She’ll need a lot of luck from the draw but she’s sound and eating well. Whatever she does she’ll only get better over ground and hopefully she will run well.”
