While most eyes will be on Magic Millions Day at the Gold Coast, don’t forget what is a solid program at Randwick.
Sugar Bella is a clear standout on the program in Race 8, the ATC Owners Benefits Card Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m).
The mare is certainly short enough but to the credit of trainer Kris Lees, he has placed Sugar Bella perfectly so far this campaign.
The daughter of Not A Single Doubt is flying, having won each of her two runs this prep, the latest here over 1200m a fortnight ago.
She has produced each of her successes with a bit up her sleeve and is open to further improvement third run back from what was a lengthy spell.
The eighth event of the day is seriously lacking in depth and Sugar Bella should be capitalising on that.
Lees has suggested the mare is of stakes quality with connections already eyeing off a start in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) during the autumn.
Figures which the mare has run reflect Lees’ opinion of her and on Saturday she strikes a race largely comprised of rivals better suited at midweek level.
Another member of the fairer sex in the form of Pendeloque can continue her winning form contesting the ATC Membership Sprint (1000m).
The daughter of Snitzel impressed first up, leading throughout at this course over 1100m.
Attempting the same may not be advisable with plenty of early speed engaged.
From barrier 3 they may elect to ride her with cover.
Pendeloque won first up after a 2YO campaign where she ran second to subsequent dual stakes winning sprinter Viridine.
She herself could be poised for a tilt at black type success sooner rather than later.
Trainer Gerald Ryan has said the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at this course during the autumn is a potential future goal if she performs on Saturday.
Sydney Specials: Randwick – January 13
Best Of The Day: R8; #5 Sugar Bella @ $1.80
Each Way Play: R2: #5 Pendeloque @ $5.00
