Currently the early favourite for the Caulfield Cup and with expectations of performing strongly over longer distances, jockey Rachel King suggests Green Spaces could cause an upset in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick.
The Australian Derby winner was seen finishing strongly when eighth behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m) last month. While the mile distance of the Chelmsford Stakes is considered short of his optimum, he did demonstrate his capability by winning Newcastle’s Spring Stakes over the same trip as a three-year-old.
King, who rode him on that occasion, indicated that the entire remains a viable chance of winning this weekend.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” King said.
“I know it was only a Spring Stakes at Newcastle, but he did win that over a mile convincingly so he can do it over this distance. It’s obviously a different gravy against these types of horses, but the way he ran first-up against those really top class weight-for-age horses, he’s in for a really good ‘prep’.”
With Attica now a scratching and scheduled to run in the Tramway Stakes (1400m), Green Spaces will face a field of eight competitors in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), including Ceolwulf, Fangirl, and last year’s winner Lindermann.
King anticipates that Green Spaces will have a less taxing run from his inside draw, allowing him to produce his best in the latter stages of the race.
“He’ll appreciate stepping up in trip and it’s a slightly easier field. He’s not against some of the superstars like he was first-up, but there are still good horses in it,” she stated.
“Drawn a nicer gate as well makes it a little bit easier. He’s building up towards his pet distance, not quite there yet, but I think he can still run a good race on Saturday.”
King is booked for rides in nine of the ten races at Randwick, with four of those being for Green Spaces’ trainer, Bjorn Baker, including the filly Rachini in the Furious Stakes (1400m).