Talented sprinter Territory will figure among Randwick acceptances as insurance against a poor barrier draw in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes.

Jarrod Austin has Territory nominated for a 1000-metre race on Saturday where the sprinter has been given 62.5kg.

But the Warwick Farm trainer says the Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford a day earlier is a preferred first-up race.

“The main goal is to go to Gosford and the other race is just a back up in case he draws terribly at Gosford,” Austin said.

The Takeover Target Stakes has attracted 15 nominations while the Randwick race has 11 nominations including Victorian three-year-old Boomwaa.

Boomwaa, a last-start winner over 1200m at Moonee Valley, has been nominated in six races on Saturday – three in Melbourne at Flemington and three at Randwick.

Acceptances for Randwick and Gosford will be taken on Wednesday.

Tye Angland has been booked to ride Territory in the Takeover Target Stakes.

But if the gelding happened to start at Randwick, Austin will look to secure a claiming apprentice for the ride.

Territory, a winner of six of his 35 starts, resumes from an 11-week let-up after finishing seventh in a Brisbane 1200-metre race at his most recent start.

He sprinted through along the inside from last to win a 733-metre barrier trial at Randwick last week in readiness for a return.

“We’re really happy with him. He trialled well the other day and showed his normal, good turn of foot,” Austin said.

“And his work was really good the other day so he’s come back in good order.”

Depending on how Territory performs early in his campaign, the Group Three Liverpool City Cup at Warwick Farm next month could be among the seven-year-old’s targets.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au