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| Staff Writer |
Royal Randwick's 1000m course record is under serious threat as a star-studded sprint field prepares to contest the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes on Saturday. The current benchmark of 55.2 seconds, set by Eduardo in the 2021 Challenge Stakes, could be eclipsed given the explosive mix of speed merchants and favourable conditions expected on the day.
Randwick's course manager Michael Wood has reported the track surface is currently rated a good 4, with the latest weather forecast predicting strong southerly gusts on Saturday afternoon. Wood suggests these tailwinds should "accentuate race times", setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking performance.
Previous winners of the Concorde Stakes include the likes of Redzel, who went on to claim back-to-back victories in The Everest, and Nature Strip, who later triumphed in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
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The Concorde field is brimming with noted speedsters, each capable of pushing the pace to its limits. Way To The Stars and Red Card, both drawn wide, are expected to blast out of the gates, while I Am Me is likely to kick up from gate two in an attempt to hold the rail.
Adding to the fierce early pace, Aft Cabin, trained by James Cummings, and Remarque, under the guidance of Team Hawkes, have been showcasing blistering speed in their barrier trials. Their presence is sure to keep the pressure on the leaders throughout the race.
This frenetic early speed sets the stage perfectly for the likes of Giga Kick, Bella Nipotina, and Private Eye to unleash their powerful finishing bursts in the latter stages of the contest.
Sydney's recent dry spell has left city tracks racing "fast", as evidenced by the slick times recorded at the midweek Warwick Farm meeting. With the current good 4 rating and the possibility of further improvement before Saturday, the Randwick surface is primed for rapid times.
The predicted tailwind could prove to be the final piece of the puzzle in the pursuit of Eduardo's track record. As the field turns for home, they'll have the wind at their backs, potentially propelling them to unprecedented speeds down the Randwick straight.
Chris Waller, trainer of Gr.1 winner Nature Strip, commented on the conditions: "The track's in great nick, and with that wind behind them, these horses could really fly home. It's exciting to think we might see something special on Saturday."
The anticipation is building among racing enthusiasts, with many eager to see if the record will fall. Peter Snowden, who has prepared multiple Concorde Stakes winners, shared his thoughts: "Records are meant to be broken, and with this field and these conditions, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a new benchmark set. It's going to be a thrilling race to watch."
As the countdown to the Concorde Stakes continues, all eyes will be on the clock. Will we witness a new chapter in Royal Randwick's rich sprinting history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the stage is set for a lightning-fast spectacle that could rewrite the record books.