By Kelsey Riley
Saturday's Randwick card features the rescheduled A$2-million G1 Sydney Cup, with a handful of new-shooters challenging some of the returning runners from two weeks ago. The two-mile Sydney Cup was abandoned mid-race after Almoonqith (Dynaformer) broke down approaching the first turn, also taking down the subsequently uninjured Who Shot Thebarman (NZ) (Yamanin Vital {NZ}). With Almoonqith and jockey James Doyle still on the track at the place of the incident stewards had sounded the siren to riders on the far turn to void the race, but six of the riders did not hear the siren and rode out to the finish.
Godolphin's Polarisation (GB) (Echo Of Light {GB}) was first past the post in the non-race for trainer Charlie Appleby in his first start since September, and the 5-year-old gelding–should he back up successfully–forms part of a strong challenge for Appleby that also includes Penglai Pavilion (Monsun {Ger}), who was third in the non-race. The latter was making his first start since October's G1 Prix Royal Oak in France, where he was 11th.
“Both lost a minimal amount of weight, and they ate up well afterwards,” said Appleby. “James Ferguson and the team on the ground in Sydney have been very happy with them, and we expect both to acquit themselves well on Saturday.”
Splitting the Godolphin pair in the non-race was Chance To Dance (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who has yet to finish worse than fourth in five tries this campaign. Big Duke (Ire) (Raven's Pass) has won five of his last six, including the Apr. 1 G2 Chairman's H., and was among those pulled up in the non-race.
Looking to capitalise on an extra Group 1 chance will be new shooter Lasqueti Spirit (Aus) (Beneteau {Aus}). Last season's upset G1 Crown Oaks winner is a tough-as-nails front runner and was a brave third in the Apr. 8 G1 ACT Oaks after missing the break.
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