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By Ray Hickson

He may have left Australia but jockey Tom Marquand will get plenty of mentions from trainer Annabel Neasham if Prague can win Saturday’s Group 1 $600,000 Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

Tom Marquand on Prague at Randwick last Saturday. (Pic: Grant Guy).

The talented three-year-old has developed a habit of missing the start and it can be argued it’s costing him races, last week’s Arrowfield Sprint is a prime example.

Before he left our shores Marquand, who rode Prague into third in the Arrowfield, offered Neasham some advice that a particular gear change may do the trick and she was only too happy to take it on board.

The popular UK hoop was credited by Addeybb’s trainer William Haggas for convincing him to put blinkers on the now two-time Queen Elizabeth Stakes champion.

“He has the blindfold on to try something else, it was Tom Marquand’s suggestion and they use them quite a lot back in Europe,’’ Neasham said.

“We’re trying something different, he’s just very laid back in the gates but if he we can get him to muster a bit quicker and get himself into a position he’s going to be extremely competitive.

“If he can get out of the gates quicker and put the race away I’m sure I’ll be suggesting that Tom get his trainer’s license.”

The colt, to be ridden by Jason Collett and a $19 chance with TAB on Thursday, was responsible for some remarkable sectionals in the Arrowfield after his tardy start and to be beaten 0.3 lengths by Wild Ruler confirmed to Neasham the talent is there if his start can be perfected.

Punter’s Intelligence data showed he clocked the fastest 200m split for every section from the 1000m in the 1200m sprint last week, covered an extra 8.6m in the run, and his last 200m (11.46 equal with Isotope) was the meeting’s fastest.

While there are questions over the strength of the three-year-old crop this year the All Aged has been won by some smart ones including Trapeze Artist (2018), English (2016), All Too Hard (2013) and Atlantic Jewel (2012) in the past decade alone.

“I’m sure he is going to win a Group 1 if he can jump. He’s a high quality colt and looks as good as he’s ever looked,’’ Neasham said.

“If he can land in the first half I’d be delighted. Jason Collett came and had a sit on him Wednesday for the first time and he was happy with him.

“We’re a little bit in the lap of the horse now, he will back up well. There’s a very nice race in him and I hope it’s this weekend.”

It’s been 12 years since Chris Waller’s lone All Aged Stakes win, by Danleigh in 2009, but the leading trainer is expecting both Kolding and Imaging to be competitive on Saturday.

Both have zeroes next to their names from their last starts but Waller said a break between runs and a good track will be in their favour.

Prague runs third in the Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick on April 17

Kolding ($11) hasn’t raced since finishing 10th in the George Ryder (1500m) back on March 27, but the last time he struck good tracks he won a George Main and a Hill Stakes in the spring, while Imaging ($18) finished 12th in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

He was back in distance that day after a first-up second in the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m).

“Kolding has had no luck with track conditions and barrier draws and he’s freshened up nicely since the George Ryder,’’ Waller said.

“Imaging, since his run in the Newmarket, has done everything right as well. The draw (10) makes it tricky for him but he will be storming at them late.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's meeting at Royal Randwick