Trainer Grahame Begg has lauded the programming of the HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic, a Listed race for three-year-olds, as a perfect lead-up to the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at Randwick.

With $500,000 in prize money, the 1100m race has attracted 18 runners, and Begg believes it deserves greater status in the racing calendar.

“It’s a good innovation, probably one of the better innovations they’ve done in a while,” Begg said. “It sets them up for the Arrowfield Sprint in Sydney, and the timing and 1100m distance are ideal.”

Begg’s charge, Rich Dottie, heads into the race at her third start this campaign. After a disappointing first-up run at Caulfield, she was narrowly beaten over the same distance at Flemington on March 1.

“She likes firm ground, which she’ll get on Saturday,” Begg added. “She’s in good order, and now she has to measure up.”

Depending on her performance, Rich Dottie could head to the Redelva Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on April 12, with Begg also considering the wet conditions in Sydney as a factor.

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