Jenny Graham brings favourites to Randwick

It’s not every Saturday Port Macquarie trainer Jenny Graham brings two favourites to Randwick.

Victorem has firmed to favourite from $4 to $2.20 in the TAB Highway Handicap (1000m), and Awesome Pluck is equal favourite at $2.50 for the ANZ Bloodstock News Handicap (1100m).

Victorem, a three-year-old by leading sire I Am Invincible, has been in the spelling paddock since July after wins at Kempsey and Grafton.

Although he claimed the Kempsey RSL Bowling Club Handicap (1000m) by 4-1/4 lengths, Graham said the heavy track was not to his liking.

“He’s not overly comfortably on the heavy,” Graham told Sky Sports Radio.

“I think he’s a better horse on top of the ground.”

He will get his preferred firm conditions on Saturday.

Victorem has drawn barrier six for Saturday’s 1000m race, and after his recent barrier trials Graham expects him to settle back after the start.

“I think his pattern will be a little bit behind the speed and finish off,” she said.

Ben Looker has ridden the gelding for all three of his starts and will take the saddle on Saturday.

“Everyone was happy to stick with Ben,” Graham said.

“He was happy about it and so were we.”

Tye Angland will ride Awesome Pluck from barrier eight on Saturday in the gelding’s first run since July.

The three-year-old won his maiden race in Taree in June over 1000m, but Graham thinks he will hit his stride in a year.

“He’s progressing really well. He’s just going to take time,” she said.