Collett bullish on Jenni In Rome despite Kirkham Plate betting drift

The second wave of juveniles will descend on Randwick for the Kirkham Plate, with Royal Accord usurping Jenni In Rome for early favouritism in what is shaping as an intriguing race.

The first of the new season two-year-olds stepped out in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) and Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) three weeks ago and only one – the Gary Kirkup-trained Chasing Archer – will return for Saturday’s sprint.

He’s a $61 chance after tiring to finish fifth to Flying Houdini in the Breeders’ Plate with early punters centring their focus on Royal Accord for Hawkes Racing, and the Richard and Will Freedman-trained Jenni In Rome.

The latter had eased to $4.80 on Thursday after opening at $3.60, while Royal Accord had been crunched from $4.60 into $2.80.

Jason Collett partners Jenni In Rome having ridden her to a comfortable trial win at Warwick Farm in September before giving her an easy time in a Rosehill heat on Monday, knowing she would be backing up.

“I loved her trials,” Collett said.

“She showed a lot in the first trial, and we then gave her a quiet trial to give her a good experience.

“She’s still learning. We rode her differently in both trials, she led in one and had to come back and sit outside in another trial. But she’s very good.”

Jenni In Rome was a $130,000 buy at the Karaka Sale and is by Sword Of State, the sire of dual Group 1 winner Warwoven who won his debut over 1000m at Randwick last December.

The horse who has assumed favouritism, Home Affairs colt Royal Accord, was a $300,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast purchase and has won both his trial appearances.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes is happy with what he’s seen, but says it’s difficult to be confident when 11 of the 12 runners are unraced.

“He’s trialled well and done everything right,” Hawkes said.

“Obviously, it’s an even race because everything hasn’t had a run. But the horse is well, he’s as good what we can get him for the day.

“He’s drawn well, the 1000 metres will suit and it’s a good starting point.”

Tyler Schiller will partner Royal Accord from barrier five, while Jenni In Rome has a trickier draw in gate eight.

The race will also mark the kick-off point for Tour De Force, a son of champion sire I Am Invincible out of 2020 Oakleigh Plate and Moir Stakes winner Pippie, and at $1.35 million, the most expensive youngster in the field.