To The World has drifted out to 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of $4, but jockey Zac Purton remains confident that the Japanese galloper has the talent to win the Group 1 event at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Zac Purton will have the chance to return another Group 1 win in Australia when he partners To The World in the 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Purton was awarded the ride on To The World in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after connections opted to dump Nick Hall, who had a prior agreement to take the ride, and the leading Hong Kong-based hoop said that he is thrilled to have the chance to ride a genuine contender in the $4 million race.
To The World was beaten by Godolphin galloper Hartnell when he made his Australian racing debut in the Group 1 The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 28, but Purton was happy with the run and is hopeful that the King Kamehameha entire will appreciate the step back to 2000 metres for the 2015 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“He is one of the best horses that they have sent over and we all know what his form in Japan was like,” Purton said.
“I thought his run the other day at Rosehill was quiet good, he was first-up after quite a while off and he acquitted himself really well.
“Obviously he got a little bit tired there on the line, but he comes back to 2000 metres now and hopefully he is a bit fresh after that run.
“It is a really good horse, they have been able to assemble a quality line-up and I think at the 2000 metres start that barriers are very important.
“I think that I have drawn well, but every horse is going to have to be on their game.”
To The World has raced exclusively on firm surfaces during his career in Japan and with the Royal Randwick track currently rated a soft seven, he is set to have his first start on a rain-affected surface in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Purton admits that the track of wet track form is a genuine concern, but he remains confident that To The World will perform well if he is able to get into a nice rhythm in the early stages of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“I’m not so sure if the track is wet and I think that he prefers it pretty firm,” Purton said.
“That has got me a little bit worried, but if I can get him out and get him going he will be right there.”
Contributer has also drifted out to Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of $3.70 with Ladbrokes, but remains a narrow favourite from To The World ($4), Tosen Stardom ($7.50), Criterion ($7.50) and Adelaide ($8).
