Trainer Gerald Ryan is expecting an improved performance from Koroibete when he makes his Group 1 debut in the 2014 Royal Randwick Guineas in Sydney on Saturday.
Koroibete has recorded three wins from seven career starts, but will need to be at his very best against a strong field in the Royal Randwick Guineas this weekend. Photo by: Steve Hart
Koroibete recorded two wins from four starts during his summer preparation and was given his maiden opportunity at Group level in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 1, but was only able to battle home fairly and finished towards the tail of the field.
Ryan told Racing Ahead this morning that he was slightly disappointed with the way that Koroibete finished off the Hobartville Stakes, but has been happy with his trackwork since and is expecting a strong effort in the Royal Randwick Guineas this weekend.
“I think that will improve if he can get on better ground,” Ryan said.
“Brenton said that they didn’t go that quick in the middle stages the other day and when they sprinted it left his wheels spinning a little bit.
“He came out as if he was really going to finish the race off, but he just whacked away.
“He has improved since and I reckon this morning was as good as I have seen him work this time in.
“I think he is on his way and he will improve after Saturday.”
The 2014 Royal Randwick Guineas field is packed full of talent and Koroibete is currently rated one of the outsiders of the field at a quote of $34.
Ryan admits that Koroibete may find the pace a bit too quick in the Group 1 event this weekend, but is confident that the Kheleyf gelding will be a winning chance in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 29 and the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 12.
“Once he gets amongst these horses over 2000 metres you will see the best of him,” Ryan said.
“1600 and 1400 against these horses they are probably a bit nippy for him, but as the journeys get longer I reckon he will measure up.”
Ryan has not had any past success in the Royal Randwick Guineas; missing the placings with both Top Drop (tenth behind Ilovethiscity in 2011) and Clangaland (seventh behind Fine Society in 2003 when the race was known as the Canterbury Guineas).
