Paul Messara has Rekindled Alliance in top shape for his return at Warwick Farm on Saturday but the likelihood of a wet track is denting his optimism.
The lightly-raced colt will take his place in a stellar Group Two Royal Sovereign Stakes (1200m) boasting the likes of Manawanui, Doctor Doom, Darci Be Good and Victorian Moment Of Change.
Messara shares the opinion of many in rating the current crop of three-year-olds as the best in years.
“It’s as strong a bunch of three-year-olds as there has been for quite a while,” Messara said.
Rekindled Alliance rose quickly through the grades in the spring, highlighted by a close second to Darci Be Good in the Group Three Spring Stakes (1600m) at Newcastle at just his third start.
He hasn’t raced since missing a place for the first time when sixth to Doctor Doom in the Group One Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in October.
Messara said Rekindled Alliance was pleasing him at home but needed a firm track to show his best.
“I’m very happy with him going into Saturday but a wet track will certainly neutralise his performance,” Messara said.
“If it was good to dead I’d be expecting a big race from him.
“But it’s going to have to dry up a hell of a lot to get to dead. It’s (Warwick Farm) the worst drying track in Sydney.
“That’s basically my main concern, the weather and state of the track.
“The horse is 100 per cent.”
Rekindled Alliance, whose short-term target is next month’s Randwick Guineas, has prepared for his return with a fourth to Foxwedge in a Randwick barrier trial last month.
He was nominated for a second trial at Newcastle recently but Messara opted for a serious working gallop instead.
“I decided not to trial him again. I thought he was right,” Messara said.
“He just had a strong gallop and he was ready to go.”
Regular rider Corey Brown reunites with Rekindled Alliance on Saturday.
The colt opened at $17 in early TAB Sportsbet markets which have Manawanui the $2.60 favourite ahead of the Peter Moody-trained Moment Of Change at $3.40.
Meanwhile, Messara reported Group One Winterbottom Stakes winner Ortensia was well and working towards a return in next month’s Newmarket Handicap in Melbourne.
