Bateman's top chances at Randwick

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SYDNEY, April 10 AAP – Edmund Bateman has his eye on the future at the yearling sales this week but will also chase Group One success with two colts at Randwick on Saturday.

Bloodstock agent James Harron was successful in securing the first foal of Amelia’s Dream for $910,000 on Tuesday at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale on behalf of Bateman.

On Saturday Bateman will watch three-year-old Foxwedge and two-year-old Ashokan in action in the TJ Smith Stakes and Sires’ Produce Stakes respectively.

Foxwedge, who cost $925,000 as a yearling, secured his future at stud with a Group One victory in the William Reid Stakes last month and Bateman sold a controlling interest in the colt to Newgate Farm which will stand him as its foundation sire.

Bateman and his wife Belinda will retain a 25 per cent share.

Before he goes to stud in the spring, the John O’Shea-trained colt has Group One assignments in the TJ Smith (1200m) and also in England at Royal Ascot in the King’s Stand Stakes.

“It’s always an anxiety racing these horses at that level because it’s never a given,” Bateman said.

“Group One racing is serious competition.

“I think one of the major issues is we need the horse (Foxwedge) to run this week as he’s preparing to go to Ascot.

“Clearly we would love to win the TJ as well. From my point of view it’s a home town, home track run and I’d just love to see him do well there for his own sake but also personally.”

Foxwedge was one of 10 nominations for the weight-for-age TJ Smith which includes star filly Atlantic Jewel and the Joe Pride-trained Rain Affair.

Atlantic Jewel is also nominated for the Sapphire Stakes on the same program.

The O’Shea-trained Ashokan finished 12th after jumping from a wide barrier in the Golden Slipper last weekend and takes on Slipper winner Pierro and unbeaten colt All Too Hard in the Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Ashokan won the Skyline Stakes at just his second start.

Publisher: AAPNewswire

12 Apr 7:34 AM