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By Ray Hickson

Hawkesbury trainer Scott Singleton is quietly confident he’s made the right move by scratching lightly raced filly Stock Up from her home track to chase a city win at Randwick on Wednesday.

Trainer Scott Singleton (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Singleton said he selected the #Theraces Plate (1300m) on the Kensington track over a race against the older horses at Hawkesbury for a couple of reasons and is looking to for the filly to find cover.

“She’ll pretty much jump from the middle of the field whereas she’d be jumping from the outside at Hawkesbury and I didn’t want her racing without cover,’’ he said.

“You’re always better off if you can keep them in her own age and sex and if she does win she has a city win to her name.

“I didn’t think there was too much between the two races.’’

As it happens the Hawkesbury race was affected by scratchings but Singleton said he has an opinion of Stock Up and is confident she’s well up to city company.

The three-year-old resumed with a handy second behind Montrachet at Rosehill on April 2 and the trainer said there’s been improvement from the run.

Stock Up ran a last 600m in 34.09, according to Punters Intel, and she ran the fastest from the 400m-200m (11.07) but the third fastest last 200m (11.56) suggesting there’s upside fitness wise.

“She’s switched on from that first-up run and I’d imagine she’ll be fighting it out,’’ he said.

“She’s tough and honest and the sort of filly who will always run a good race. There’s always a couple (of dangers) in there but I think she will be pretty hard to beat.

“I think she will be a nice filly when she gets to a mile and hopefully further but I think she is capable of winning.’’

Singleton is expecting an improved showing from Poet’s Advocate in the Ranvet Handicap (1300m) after overdoing it in the early stages first-up in the Provincial Qualifier on his home track.

Stock Up runs second when resuming at Rosehill Gardens on April 2

The four-year-old ran 23.74 for his first 400m (Punters Intel) and had nothing left as he dropped out to finish second last.

“He went a million miles an hour in front, he went too hard plain and simple,’’ Singleton said.

“He was always going to stop going that speed. I had a couple of little setbacks but the last couple of weeks he’s really pleased me and seems in good order again.’’

Poet’s Advocate has been a noted leader in his past five starts but Singleton said he’s hoping the horse won’t charge and can conserve energy.

“He has won going hard in front but that was too hard, it was 1000m speed in a 1400m race, and he doesn’t have to lead,’’ he said.

“He just got himself into that style of racing. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sits off one or two.’’

If Poet’s Advocate does return to form Singleton plans to target a race at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting on Saturday week.

The gelding is a $21 chance with TAB on Wednesday while the filly Stock Up is $3.10 favourite for her assignment. Christian Reith rides both horses.

Check out the fields, form and replays for Wednesday's meeting at Randwick (Kensington)