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By Brad Gray

John O’Shea gave punters a good push for It's Somewhat in the Doncaster Mile and again gives his thoughts on all of his runners ahead of Day 2 of The Championships.

Race 1 – Listed Adina Apartment Hotels Fernhill Handicap (1600m) Toga Picta (James Doyle) “He was ridden upside down at Mornington, so we’ll ride him more conservatively this week.” “He’ll be very effective in the ground, he’s very fit and I’d forgive him his run the other day – the effort was there but the execution was poor.”

Race 2 – Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) Bezel (James Doyle) “Bezel has been disappointing so far this autumn. He started out on a poor note and hasn’t been able to get himself going.” “I thought he trialled well recently and he worked particularly well this morning. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him bounce back.”

John O'Shea

Bryneich (Corey Brown) “Bryneich is coming out of really good Group form early in the autumn and is fit and ready to run well.”

Peacock (Tommy Berry) “Peacock’s always been a horse that we felt would appreciate wet ground. He didn’t appreciate the firm track in Melbourne.” “His first-up run was very good in the Australia Stakes and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him bounce back and run a nice race.”

Race 3 – G2 IG Share Trading Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) Almanzora (Corey Brown) “She was extremely dominant when she won (on debut). She got through the ground well and the horse she beat came out and won at his next start.” “We’ve always felt that she’s as good a two-year-old filly as we have.” “I’d have loved to have had her up and going a little earlier, but I’m sure she’ll acquit herself very well.”

Race 5 – G2 Arrowfield 3yo Sprint (1200m) Impending (James Doyle) “His form has been really good, probably not truly reflective of how well he’s going.” “Last start he had to go back from a wide gate in a slowly run race that was dominated from the front and he made up very good ground against older horses. This time he drops back to his own age and I really like his draw.” “This is the race he’s been set for all preparation.”

Race 7 – G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) Hartnell (James Doyle) “We’re very happy. He’s been set for one race and he really looks to be coming to a nice peak.” “Gate one is a nice gate because if you go back to his Turnbull Stakes performance where he rolled along, he should be able to get some cover and box seat.” “Obviously he’ll have to take on Winx but Hartnell will run the best race of his preparation.”

Hartnell

Race 8 – G1 Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) Tally (Tommy Berry) “It’s his first run at two miles but we’re optimistic that he can run the trip.” “He drops down nicely in weight off a strong performance in the Mornington Cup where he had 59kg.” “He’s been very effective at Randwick and very effective on rain-affected ground.”

Race 10 – G2 TAB Sapphire Stakes (1200m) Painted Firetail (Tommy Berry) “Painted Firetail, on face value, looks to be out of her grade but the rationale behind running her here is that she’s always very, very good first-up and she’s an exceptional wet-tracker so we’ve given her an opportunity in stakes grade."

Check out the fields and form for Day Two of The Championships at Randwick