Unbeaten NZ mare Well Written aims for Epsom Handicap glory at Randwick

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh concedes New Zealand form has been "a bit sketchy" in recent times and believes Well Written could have been treated better at the weights for the $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m). He remains confident he has "the right horse for the job" if heavy rain stays away.

Well Written, a two-time Group 1 winner, arrived on Tuesday night and is staying at the former Leilani Lodge stables at Randwick now leased by trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The four-year-old was purchased as a $32,500 weanling and an $80,000 yearling before powerhouse breeding operation Yulong acquired a 50 per cent share a year ago.

As a three-year-old, Well Written won six times, including a photo-finish victory over subsequent Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes champion Belle Cheval in the $4 million Kiwi (1500m). Marsh is now eyeing a tilt at the $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick on October 31, where Well Written is set to take on star Victorian mare Sheza Alibi.

The Epsom Handicap marks the first time Well Written has raced outside New Zealand, and the track condition will be critical. Marsh said he would be very concerned if heavy rain hit Randwick before Saturday.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The debut of an unbeaten New Zealand Group 1 winner adds significant intrigue to the Epsom Handicap, a key Sydney spring carnival race.
Weather conditions will influence the outcome, affecting both Well Written's chances and the betting market.
A strong performance could set up a high-stakes Golden Eagle clash with Sheza Alibi on October 31.

Background

The Epsom Handicap is a prestigious mile handicap at Randwick, often attracting top middle-distance horses from both sides of the Tasman. New Zealand-trained runners have a mixed recent record in Sydney's major races. Well Written's form includes a win over Belle Cheval, who later won the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes. Her ownership includes Yulong, a major Australian breeding and racing operation.

Key Perspectives

Trainer Stephen Marsh: Confident in his horse's ability but wary of the weight given and the potential for a heavy track. He acknowledges New Zealand form lines are not always a reliable guide in Sydney. Racing fans and punters: Interest is high in Well Written's Australian debut, with her unbeaten record and international profile making her a potential favourite. Critics/Skeptics: Some may question the strength of New Zealand form given Marsh's own admission that it has been "sketchy" in recent times. The weight allocation and first-time travel add unknowns.

What to Watch

Weather forecasts for Sydney in the 48 hours leading up to Saturday's race.
Well Written's settling in progress at the Waterhouse-Bott stables after her arrival on Tuesday.
Final market price leading into the Epsom, which will signal how punters assess the risk of the New Zealand form.

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