A return to his home track of Randwick is anticipated to be much more to Beadman’s liking, after the smart sprinter succumbed to the Caulfield curse during a hit-and-run mission to Melbourne.

The unpredictable nature of the Caulfield circuit has undone many a Sydney-trained galloper, and the four-year-old was one of them, getting too far back from a wide draw in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) and never threatening.

“He was lost going to Caulfield,” trainer Peter Snowden said. “He didn’t know where he was. He still ran on late, but he drew really badly and made the ground late when the race was all over. It was very fast time, too. They ran just over 1:08 and the rail was out ‘100’ metres, so it was amazing time they ran.”

Prior to that effort, Beadman had posted an eye-catching third behind Everest hopefuls Tempted and Headwall in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick. He now returns to familiar ground for Saturday’s $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m) at his home track.

Snowden indicated that the horse had recovered well since his return from Melbourne and expressed optimism for a much improved performance.

“He had a couple of days in the paddock on the way home, and he’s freshened up nicely, so he should run well,” he stated.

Beadman is drawn barrier 11 in the 16-strong field and will be reunited with jockey Zac Purton, who partnered Ka Ying Rising and won last year’s Everest consolation race on Rothfire.

The entire has experienced early support in the betting, firming from $11 into $8.50, and performs well on wet surfaces.

Snowden will also saddle up Plaintiff in the Silver Eagle (1300m). The mare is looking to replicate her encouraging first-up fourth to Savvy Hallie in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m), following a midfield effort behind Tempted in the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at her latest outing.

Beadman is expected to perform significantly better upon his return to Randwick for the Sydney Stakes. Explore the latest betting markets for the race at betting sites.