Green Spaces on track for spring success after Derby win
Despite being the early favourite for the Caulfield Cup and expected to excel at longer distances, jockey Rachel King believes Green Spaces has the potential to surprise in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick.
The Australian Derby winner showed a good late surge when finishing eighth in the Winx Stakes (1400m) last month behind Autumn Glow. While the mile of the Chelmsford Stakes is not his optimal distance, he has a previous win over the trip in Newcastle's Spring Stakes as a three-year-old.
King, who was aboard that day, expressed confidence in the entire's prospects for the upcoming weekend's race.
"I wouldn't be surprised," King commented.
"I know it was only a Spring Stakes at Newcastle, but he did win that over a mile convincingly so he can do it over this distance. It's obviously a different gravy against these types of horses, but the way he ran first-up against those really top class weight-for-age horses, he's in for a really good 'prep'."
With Attica a non-runner and now targeting the Tramway Stakes (1400m), Green Spaces will contend with seven other horses in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), including notable runners Ceolwulf, Fangirl, and the previous year's victor, Lindermann.
King anticipates that Green Spaces will benefit from a favourable draw, allowing for a well-positioned run and a strong finish.
"He'll appreciate stepping up in trip and it's a slightly easier field. He's not against some of the superstars like he was first-up, but there are still good horses in it," she remarked.
"Drawn a nicer gate as well makes it a little bit easier. He's building up towards his pet distance, not quite there yet, but I think he can still run a good race on Saturday."
King's schedule at Randwick includes rides in ten out of the eleven races, four of which are for trainer Bjorn Baker, including the filly Rachini in the Furious Stakes (1400m).
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