Punters are keeping faith with last start beaten favourite Addictive Nature who sits at the top of the betting for the Group 2 $250,000 The Star Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick today.

The punters have stuck with Addictive Nature, above in black, green and white colours, in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Addictive Nature was sent out as the $2.50 favourite for the Group 2 $200,000 Sydney Markets Limited Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill two weeks ago but could only finish third, one and a half lengths behind the winner Trapeze Artist on a soft 5 rated track.

The Savabeel colt, the only three year old to contest the weight for age Apollo Stakes, is holding onto favouritism at $3.80 at Ladbrokes.com.au on race morning and trainer Bjorn Baker can see Addictive Nature handling the good 4 rated track better and the step back up to 1400m is also a positive.

“Back on top of the ground is really good for him and up to 1400m should suit,” Baker told AAP.

“Fitness-wise he’s definitely come on since the Expressway.”

“Trapeze Artist is one of the leading three year olds and he wasn’t too far off them.”

“There are no easy races at this level but he going pretty well.”

Baker can see new jockey Adam Hyeronimus going forward from barrier five in the Apollo Stakes field that has been reduced to eight runners with the scratching of the Mark Newnham trained Lanciato who will now run in the Group 3 $150,000 Newcastle Newmarket Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle on March 9.

“Adam’s always positive. We’ll see if we can lead and see what happens,” Baker said.

Hyeronimus replaces Expressway Stakes jockey Jason Collett who has taken the ride on the Chris Waller trained Comin’ Through (barrier 7) who is also well in contention in the betting at $4.80.

Waller will also saddle up the $4.60 second favourite Endless Drama (Tye Angland, barrier 3) who is fitter for one run back when third to Lanciato in the Listed $150,000 Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on January 27.