The addition of second emergency Paret to the field of twenty for the 2018 Epsom Handicap because of two early scratchings will now give Sydney’s leading trainer Chris Waller eight runners in the Group 1 $1 million Sydney Spring Carnival feature race over the Randwick Mile on Saturday.
Paret, above, has gained a start in the 2018 Epsom Handicap at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Paret has sneaked into the field following the early scratchings of Radipole and Nettoyer and will jump from barrier eleven with Michael Dee aboard.
Paret has been working his way up through the classes and claimed a hat trick of wins with his victory in a 1500m BenchMark 82 Handicap at Rosehill on August 25.
Waller was slightly disappointed with Paret’s last start seventh in the Group 3 $160,000 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on September 15 but is still giving him a rough chance at the double figure odds of $34 if he runs up to best form.
“I was a little disappointed with his run last start but I think he is ready for the mile now.” Waller said.
“I am sure he is a rough chance but obviously he does need to improve up to this level.”
Waller will also saddle up the two favourites at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Epsom Handicap, Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento at $4.20 and last start Chelmsford Stakes winner Unforgotten at $4.50, while the remainder of the stable’s runner are at double figure odds, Shillelagh and Tom Melbourne at $21, Mister Sea Wolf at $26, Single Gaze at $61 and Religify at $71.
Waller can’t fault the condition of his top two chances with D’Argento stepping up to the 1600m of the Epsom Handicap after finishing second to Home Of The Brave in the Group 2 $200,000 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on September 8 while Unforgotten was very impressive in winning the Group 2 $250,000 Bisley Workwear Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 1.
“I can’t fault the way that he has come through his last start run, he is a very good horse and I think he is equally effective on good and soft tracks. I and really excited about his chance,” Waller said about D’Argento.
Waller’s comments about Unforgotten were just as encouraging.
“She looks well suited under the Handicap scale with only 52.5kg. Her work has been very good and she trialled nicely last week and she is ticking over very well,” Waller said.
James McDonald will give D’Argento every chance from barrier one while Unforgotten will get a similar ride from Kerrin McEvoy from gate three.
