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By Brad Gray

Music Addition caught punters off guard when he won at big odds on debut at Gosford but early betting suggests that certainly won’t be the case in the Mcgrath Estate Agents Plate (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

The two-year-old gelding took up the running over 1000m and quickened brilliantly to put a space on his rivals at the odds of $61. However, Music Addition is already $17 into $8.50 with TAB ahead of his second-up assignment.

Music Addition's dominant Gosford debut

“We thought he’d run well but we didn’t expect him to win, so he surprised us in the manner he won,” said Peter Robl.

“I was hoping to find an 1100m at Canterbury but there was nothing suitable. I’ve got no doubt he is certainly up to it, it’s just whether the 1200m on a heavy track might stretch him a little. I think he’ll run 1200m no dramas but second-up on heavy is a little concern.

“He is a pretty laid back customer so he never works like a champion but he certainly hasn’t taken a step backwards.”

Robl believes Music Addition is versatile enough to sit in behind noted front runners Lipizzan and Florid who have both drawn inside of the son of Your Song.

“I’d be happy to lob third or fourth. He did that in both of his trials and does that in his work. That was the plan with him first-up, to box seat, but he began so well and being Gosford, Jay (Ford) made the right decision in holding the fence with him.”

“He is still pretty new and mentally dumb but he is going to give himself every chance of winning on Saturday because he is going to put himself in the first couple, will get through the going and ability-wise he is certainly up to this grade.”

Later at Randwick, Ninth Legion and Centre Pivot are only “50/50” propositions of taking their place in the Can Assist Winter Dash (1200m) with Robl suggesting the duo need the track to get into the soft range.

“Ninth Legion and Centre Pivot look after themselves on heavy tracks. They can butter up the following week in the Civic Stakes at Rosehill or keep ticking over until the tracks dry up,” Robl said.

“Ninth Legion has got some good first-up form and his trials have been very good. I’d be confident of him running a big race if the track was a five. Centre Pivot is going terrific. His work Tuesday morning was spot on ahead of Saturday.

“With the two old fellas there’s no program set in stone so we’re not under any pressure to kick them off.”

Meanwhile, well-bred filly Duvessa (Street Cry x Sister Madly) is likely to be tipped out ahead of a spring campaign after her forgivable debut at Canterbury on Wednesday.

“She pulled up very well. It just wasn’t run to suit her being three-deep wanting to run through the bridle on a wet track first-up,” Robl said.

“I am half leaning towards giving her a month out. She has been in work a little while. If we give her a few weeks out now and she proves herself good enough in the spring, there are plenty of races for her.”

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