Xtravagant Ready for Melbourne

The Informant's Dennis Ryan reports:

Xtravagant completed the serious part of his Australian Guineas preparation with a pleasing piece of work at Matamata this morning.

With raceday jockey Matt Cameron in the saddle and paired with Saturday's Sunline Vase candidate Duchess Kate, Xtravagant did all that was expected of him as he strode over 1200 metres on a slow course proper in 1:19.2, the best time of the session at that distance.

Under a good hold, the last 1000m took 1:05.3 and he hit the line well on the bridle with a final 600m in 38.2.

Co-trainer Stephen Autridge was well satisfied with the work a day out from Xtravagant's flight to Melbourne.

“We're as happy as we've ever been with him, he's right on his game,” said Autridge, who will also head to Melbourne tomorrow. “With the rain we've had the ground wasn't ideal for him, but Matt said he was alright held together like that.

“Everything's in place at this end, so all we want now is a trouble-free trip across to Melbourne to set him up for the weekend.”

The A$750,000 Australian Guineas attracted 25 entries when nominations closed yesterday, but a number of those, including star Sydney colt Press Statement, are expected to run in Saturday's Randwick Guineas.

Xtravagant is the $4.20 early favourite in his quest for a third Group One victory.

The Flemington track is rated good and the weather forecast is for fine weather with the possibility of a shower on Saturday.