Neasham Chasing Elite Wizardry

Meanwhile, with one of just two fillies to have accepted for Saturday's Gr1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, trainer Annabel Neasham will be chasing her second Group 1 winner as a trainer in her own right with the Mrs Fung and Lizzie Jelfs-raced Queen Of Wizardry (Not A Single Doubt-Miss Hufflepuff, by Encosta de Lago). Successful on debut in January at Eagle Farm, the filly then finished fourth in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic before beaten over 10-lengths in the Gr1 Golden Slipper first up this campaign. Fifth in the Gr1 Sires' Produce Stakes last start, the step up to the 1400m that day highlighted her need for distance, and Saturday's mile should really suit the Tyreel Stud graduate. In what many may describe as a slightly disappointing field for the final leg of the juvenile triple crown, with neither of the winners of the first two legs in the field, both Hilal (Fastnet Rock-Salma, by Encosta de Lago and Captivant (Capitalist-Speedboat, by Commands) – second and third respectively behind Anamoe (Street Boss) in the Sires' Produce – look leading chances. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Converge (Frankel-Conversely, by Shamardal), an impressive last start winner of the Listed Fernhill Handicap, is aiming to give his sire two elite level scores in the space of a week after the Oaks victory of Hungry Heart (Frankel) last Saturday.