Firm and straight appeals to Begg

Trainer Grahame Begg has applauded Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club with their programming of the HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic. 

The Listed race for three-year-olds over 1100m on Saturday carries $500,000 in prize money and has attracted 18 runners. 

Begg said it was the perfect lead-in race towards the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on April 12, although he said his charge Rich Dottie was unlikely to travel north. 

"It's a very good race and it's deserving of better status," Begg said. 

"It's a good innovation, probably one of their better innovations they have done in a good while. 

"It sets them up to go to the Arrowfield Sprint in Sydney. It's in the right time frame if you've got a nice horse and you want to run it and the 1100 metres, I think that's a good distance." 

Begg has Rich Dottie heading into the contest at her third run for the campaign. 

Disappointing first-up at Caulfield on February 8 on a track Begg said was worse than its rating of Good 4, Rich Dottie was just touched out over Saturday's course and distance on March 1. 

"She ran well up the straight and just got beaten at her only try," Begg said. 

"She likes firm ground, which is what she's going to get, but we're under no illusions. It has come up strong, but they put the prize money on, so you've got to expect it. 

"She had a little tick over jump-out on Monday and went beautifully. She's in good order and now she has to measure up." 

Begg said Rich Dottie may head to Adelaide for the Listed Redelva Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on April 12 after Saturday's outing depending on her performance. 

He said the prospects of heavy rain in Sydney made that decision easier. 

"They're tipping armageddon in Sydney on the weekend and once it starts it will probably remain wet," Begg said. 

"Her two starts on wet ground, she's been hopeless."