Adrian Bott is fully aware of the tough assignment Watson faces in the Eskimo Prince Stakes, pinning hopes on the budding three-year-old exploiting his fitness superiority.
Watson has triumphed in both appearances this term, opening with a resounding score at Kembla Grange and backing it up with a polished effort at Canterbury.
The uptick in performances is ascribed by Bott to the gelding surgery after his introductory campaign, ahead of the horse’s most demanding outing in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
“He was gelded after that first ‘prep’ and that’s a big factor in the improvement we’ve seen in him. His two runs have been excellent,” Bott said.
“He wasn’t coltish, but things weren’t falling into place. He would show something at home but under pressure in trials or on race day, he was doing a few things wrong and mentally wasn’t ready yet.
“It has helped him focus on what needs to be done and bring that work we’ve seen at home to the races.”
Seven foes line up against Watson at Randwick, incorporating Golden Rose minor placers Wodeton and Tempted, stakes conqueror Napoleonic, and superior weighted Rivellino.
Since all are restarting, Bott banks on Watson’s current race-hardened state to bridge the gap in major race pedigree.
“That’s the biggest advantage he’s got going into the race is that bit of race fitness that he’s carrying. He’s coming off two nice wins and there is further improvement again,” he said.
In the card’s marquee race, the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m), Tulloch Lodge enters forcefully via Golden Gift finisher Plagiarism.
Bott observes the colt aligns closely with 2024 winner Fully Lit at this phase, both handled by RedFox Racing interests.
“Fully Lit had the one run going into it in that preparation. Plagiarism has had the benefit of experience from a previous campaign, so he’s well-seasoned in that regard,” he said.
“He looks a natural running two-year-old, which we saw (in the Golden Gift).
“I think that form will stack up, and he seems to be back in good shape off the back of a couple of nice trials.”
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The post Fitness advantage key for Watson in Eskimo Prince Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
