Racing
Fitness advantage key for Watson in Eskimo Prince
Connections of Watson are hoping match practice counts for something when he steps up to stakes company.
Adrian Bott is under no illusions about the task facing Watson in the Eskimo Prince Stakes, banking on the emerging three-year-old capitalising on his fitness edge.
Watson is undefeated in two starts this preparation, launching his campaign with a comprehensive win at Kembla Grange before a similarly impressive romp at Canterbury.
Bott credits the improved performances to a gelding procedure performed at the end of his initial racing campaign as the horse prepares for his toughest test yet in Saturday's Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
"He was gelded after that first 'prep' and that's a big factor in the improvement we've seen in him. His two runs have been excellent," Bott said.
"He wasn't coltish, but things weren't falling into place. He would show something at home but under pressure in trials or on race day, he was doing a few things wrong and mentally wasn't ready yet.
"It has helped him focus on what needs to be done and bring that work we've seen at home to the races."
Awaiting Watson at Randwick will be seven rivals, including Golden Rose placegetters Wodeton and Tempted, stakes winner Napoleonic and classy topweight Rivellino.
All are resuming and Bott is hoping Watson's recent racing can help make up for what he lacks in big race experience.
"That's the biggest advantage he's got going into the race is that bit of race fitness that he's carrying. He's coming off two nice wins and there is further improvement again," he said.
Tulloch Lodge also has a strong hand in the day's feature, the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) with Golden Gift placegetter Plagiarism.
Bott says the colt compares favourably with their 2024 winner Fully Lit at the same stage, with both horses managed by syndicators RedFox Racing.
"Fully Lit had the one run going into it in that preparation. Plagiarism has had the benefit of experience from a previous campaign, so he's well-seasoned in that regard," he said.
"He looks a natural running two-year-old, which we saw (in the Golden Gift).
"I think that form will stack up, and he seems to be back in good shape off the back of a couple of nice trials."
Tim Clark will partner both Watson and Plagiarism.
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