Champion jockey James McDonald gave Night Agent the run of the race, leading to an effortless victory in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick.
Trainer Kris Lees had considered Night Agent a potential candidate for next autumn’s Provincial Championships, but the gelding’s commanding win at Randwick has the trainer re-evaluating.
“We were thinking the Provincial Championships but hopefully he is too good for that,” Lees declared. “It was a really good win and a magnificent ride by James Mcdonald. “I was guarded about whether to run the horse early in the week but he came into barrier 10 after scratchings. “James came out and said he would be one-one (one out and one back), I was happy with that and that’s where he was.”
Lees added, “It was a dominant win and we might look at getting him ready for the Silver Eagle on Everest Day (October 17).”
Night Agent, the $4.40 favourite, powered clear in the straight to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. The unlucky Unleeshing ($4), who finished with gusto, snagged second right on the finish line, narrowly beating the leader Castlejohn ($4.40).
McDonald described Night Agent as a horse still learning. “He’s still doing a few things wrong but he’s a very nice horse and will only continue to improve,” McDonald commented.
The four-year-old has surprised Lees with his spring form, improving his record to four victories from eight starts. “We have always had a good opinion of him, he’s a nice horse,” Lees said. “We may look at the Silver Eagle now. Whether that is aiming a bit high, I don’t know but the race is a month away and he likes to have his runs spaced.”
Compare betting sites for the upcoming races at betting sites.