Woodbine will jump from barrier 11 in the Randwick Guineas and jockey Tommy Berry believes that the wide gate will help the impressive colt in the Group 1 event this weekend.
Woodbine will join his dam Miss Finland as a Group 1 winner if he is victorious in the 2014 Randwick Guineas this weekend. Photo by: Steve Hart
Berry was impressed with the performance of Woodbine in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 1; with the son of Hussonet making good ground late to finish fourth, despite being caught wide in the early stages of the race.
The leading Sydney hoop is confident that Woodbine will receive a lovely run into Randwick Guineas from barrier 11 and is hopeful that he take up a forward position from the outside draw.
“He was ridden with a bit of cover last start and that is because he doesn’t have great acceleration early in his races; it takes 100 metres to get going,” Berry told Racing Ahead this morning.
“Drawing out wide is probably not a bad thing for him and it will allow him to get out and get rolling forward.
“He should get a nice run into the race.”
The 2014 Randwick Guineas has no standout favourite, unlike recent editions of the race that were dominated pre-race by the likes of It’s A Dundeel, Ilovethiscity, Shoot Out and Weekend Hussler, and Berry said that he thinks the race is a very open affair.
Berry believes that there are plenty of winning hopes in the Group 1 event and is confident that Woodbine will have every opportunity to breakthrough for his maiden win at the highest level of racing this weekend.
“It looks to be one of the most competitive races that I have seen in a while; there doesn’t look a standout there,” Berry said.
“They have all won their races and have been very impressive in what they have done and he is no exception.
“He will have every chance.”
Berry is chasing his maiden win in the Randwick Guineas after missing the placings with Casino Swoop (11th behind It’s A Dundeel in 2013) and Manawanui, who finished fifth as favourite in the 2012 edition of the race.
Woodbine is currently available at a quote of $13 in 2014 Royal Randwick Guineas betting markets; with Trent Busuttin-trained El Roca ($4.20) still a narrow favourite from fellow Kiwi Atlante ($6), Team Cummings-trained Eurozone and Hobartville Stakes winner Dissident ($8).
