Just Party begins Guineas campaign at Randwick races

The way Just Party begins his race will likely determine how he finishes when the three-year-old resumes his campaign in the Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick.

Known for being slow out of the gates, Just Party has at times been disadvantaged by his tardy starts.

While he is again expected to settle towards the back in Saturday’s Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), co-trainer Sterling Alexiou is hopeful that natural development and experience will help compensate for his lack of early speed.

"His barrier manners have just let him down a touch, given he quite often settles back and gives himself a fair bit to do," Alexiou said.

"But he’s got a really good turn of foot and I’m looking forward to seeing where he sits among the better colts heading towards the Randwick Guineas.

"He has always shown good talent and he’s starting to put it together."

During the spring, Just Party was highly competitive against quality opposition, finishing within a length of subsequent Flight Stakes winner Lady Shenandoah in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m). He also secured runner-up finishes in both the Tapp-Craig (1400m) and Callander-Presnell (1600m).

Alexiou believes the colt has strengthened significantly and has been training well leading into his return.

"He’s got a lot stronger, he’s really good through the shoulders and hindquarters now," Alexiou said.

"You will see a much more furnished animal at the races and hopefully he has taken that next step in regard to his performance race day."

"The 1200 will probably be short of his best and barrier one isn’t an ideal gate for him as he is notoriously sticky out of the gates.

"He is a horse that appreciates galloping room and he is going to need some luck from there, but he’s going well and he will run very well with good improvement to come."

If everything goes as planned, Just Party will continue along a traditional Guineas path, progressing to the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 22.