Quality galloper ROYAL PATRONAGE looks to be a strong contender for the $1.5 million TAB Epsom (1600m) at Royal Randwick this Saturday afternoon.
ROYAL PATRONAGE powered to victory in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes and followed up with a brave third in the 7 Stakes behind Fangirl in his two Australian starts. He appears to be building towards a peak performance for Saturday’s race. The six-year-old arrives at Randwick as the $4.80 favourite for the spring mile, having already made his mark on some of the sport’s most renowned tracks.
He has competed in prestigious events such as the 2000 Guineas and English Derby, as well as Group 1 Derbies at Saratoga and Belmont. However, he’s found his best form since joining the stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
While ROYAL PATRONAGE is expected to be a leading contender, the race shapes up to be highly competitive. DETONATOR JACK, with two wins from six starts on softer ground, is likely to settle just off the pace and demands respect. KOVALICA, who placed first-up at Randwick, typically improves second-up and boasts a solid track record here, making him a strong each-way chance. MCHALE, fresh from a surprise win at Randwick, is proven on soft ground, giving him solid each-way claims again.
