Punters might not have seen 2018 Golden Slipper-bound Written By since his Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes win in late February but even a delayed lead-up trial has not hampered the confidence of trainer Grahame Begg heading into the world’s richest race for two-year-olds.
Blue Diamond Stakes winner Written By is on track for his Sydney debut in the 2018 Golden Slipper Stakes on March 24. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Written By retained his undefeated status on February 24 saluting by a runaway two and a half lengths to make it three wins from as many career starts in the Group 1 $1.5 million Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).
The unbeaten son of Written Tycoon is now set to embark on a Sydney raid targeting the iconic Group 1 $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 24.
Originally set to trial this week in the lead-up to the Golden Slipper, wet weather saw Racing NSW postpone the hit-outs.
Written By was still able to get the metres in his legs the Sydney way of racing however given a gallop on Tuesday morning at Randwick on the course proper.
“He galloped solo this morning and while he didn’t run any time, he did enough for what I was after,” Begg told Racing Victoria.
“It’s been pleasing to see him freshen up very nicely.
“He needed a gallop this morning and when they’ve won a Group 1 and head interstate, that’s exactly what you want.
“He’ll still trial whenever they end up being on.
“It won’t make a difference to him if it’s Thursday or Friday – the horse is very, very well and is in good hands at John Thompson’s t.
“He’s an exciting horse.”
Current all-in Golden Slipper odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Written By installed as the $7 third favourite.
Tony McEvoy’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic winning Zoustar filly Sunlight sits top of the futures markets at $4 after her Rosehill win on the same day as the Blue Diamond in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m).
The fillies have won three times in the past five years including She Will Reign (2017) last autumn and the second pick to salute in 2018 at $6 is the Team Hawkes-trained daughter of Snitzel Estijaab after her speedy Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) win at Randwick over the weekend.
In the past 30 plus years the only Golden Slipper winner to come directly off a Blue Diamond Stakes run was Courtza who did the double back in 1989.
To back your Golden Slipper 2018 favourites at the best early autumn racing odds online head to Ladbrokes.com.au today.
