Sterling Alexiou is fully aware of the challenge ahead for Dream Side in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick but firmly believes the filly is undervalued in the market.
Dream Side is one of two runners for the stable in the Reisling Stakes (1200m), joined by Perle De Chocolate. Both fillies are considered outsiders, priced at $34 and $19 respectively on online betting sites.
Dream Side has had just one start, finishing a close second to Marhoona over 1100m at Canterbury, making up significant ground along the fence. Third place in that race went to Autumn Blonde, who later ran a strong fourth behind Within The Law in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).
Despite going off at double-figure odds on debut, Alexiou says Dream Side’s performance was no surprise.
“Not at all. She had been going quite nicely at home and trialled up quite well leading into Canterbury,” Alexiou said.
“It’s a big step from Canterbury to a Reisling Stakes but she is well and truly above her odds.
“I don’t think a wet track, which is predicted, will phase her, and also the step to 1200 will be in her favour.
“She is a nice filly. She is going to be better next time around but she has given us no reason not to line up on Saturday.”
Perle De Chocolate will be stepping out for her third start, having finished fifth in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) in October and third to Farcited in the Black Opal Preview (1000m) in Canberra first-up.
Alexiou believes she was disadvantaged by racing on an inferior section of the track last time and expects her to appreciate the extra distance, despite the strong opposition.
“She has taken good improvement from that and the step up to 1200 metres will suit,” he said.
“I think you’ll see a much improved showing, but it still looks a tough race.”
Meanwhile, Ryan and Alexiou have also accepted King Of Pop for the Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick and Sunday’s Black Opal Stakes (1200m) at Canberra.
They plan to assess the fields and weather conditions before making a final decision on where he will run, but Alexiou is confident he will perform well.
“He has taken good improvement from his first start at Warwick Farm and he’s always been a horse who has shown ability,” Alexiou said.
“It will be good to see where he sits anyway.”
