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By Brad Gray

Ecuador was an outstanding winner upon his return for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and the stable have kept him fresh for a similar assignment in the $150,000 Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

“We were delighted with that first-up win. It was a really tough effort. He had to carry the big weight and he has come through well. We’ve kept him nice and fresh going into this race being mindful that he is remaining at 1400m,” Bott said.

Ecuador's strong first-up victory

“Ideally we’d be stepping up to the mile and there was a race last Saturday, an open mile handicap, but he would have been severely weighted in that. We’re mindful that we have a long preparation for him to sustain throughout the autumn.”

“No doubt we’ll step him up in trip later on in his preparation. He has shown some very good form particularly over the mile at Randwick but stepping out to 2000m looks to be his ideal sort of trip.”

Adam Hyeronimus has an outstanding record on the seven-year-old, haven ridden him on six occasions for four wins and a second. The miss was a sixth in the G2 Brisbane Cup.

“He is riding with a lot of confidence and suits the horse. He is a good judge of pace and on this horse in particular.”

The stable will also be represented by two unraced Sebring two-year-olds in the opening race on the Randwick card.

“Kristensen trialled well the other day. He was at the official two-year-old trials so he has always shown natural ability early which has placed him in good stead this preparation. He’s quite switched on this time around,” said Bott.

“No doubt he’ll improve getting out to a bit further in time.

“Pandemonium has had a couple of trials this time around. She is a quality filly and she has looked good in her trials. She’s another one that will get over further in time.”

Kristensen's Randwick trial win - Jan 9

Pandemonium's most recent trial - Jan 9

All the form, replays and fields for Randwick on Saturday