Rapt can add to outstanding distance record at Randwick races

Jason Deamer is banking on Randwick's wet weather and a fast-run race to bring out the best in his mare Rapt when she contests the Charity Challenge Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.

Rapt has a strong mile record with three wins from four starts over the trip, including a recent victory at the Randwick circuit. Her only defeat came in The Coast (1600m) after an interrupted run.

“She got trapped behind a fading runner, lost momentum and had to switch course,” Deamer explained. “She finished off OK but had no chance of running a place.”

Now freshened, Rapt returns to Randwick with form on heavy tracks and a racing style suited to genuine tempo events.

“She loves the sting out of the ground and does her best work late,” Deamer said. “But she needs speed up front to show her turn of foot.”

Deamer says her Provincial-Midway Final run was better than it looked, coming from the rear in a race dominated by leaders.

“She worked home well under the circumstances,” he noted. “We’re hoping for more pace this weekend.”

Rapt will be reunited with Ash Morgan, who has partnered her to success in the past and knows how to ride her for best effect.

She lines up against proven wet tracker Cool Jakey, who steps up to the mile for the first time.

“He’s clearly a danger, but the distance could be a question for him,” Deamer said. “My mare is proven at 1600m and if she gets a clear crack, she’ll be right there.”

Gold Bullion and Asian Daze add further intrigue for Tulloch Lodge, making for a competitive contest.

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