Other runners also utilised the outer sand for their preparations. Sling Shot, under the guidance of a rider, moved freely over 600 metres in 47 seconds. Diana, with Rajesh K in the saddle, completed 1000 metres in 1 minute and 15.5 seconds, finishing the final 600 metres in 43.5 seconds. Additionally, Royal Jewel clocked 1 minute and 31 seconds for 1200 metres, covering the final 600 metres in 46 seconds.
Gate practice highlights
The inner sand track hosted a series of gate practice sessions, providing horses with an opportunity to sharpen their starting speed. Anzac Parade, ridden by Tousif, jumped out well to clock 1 minute and 24 seconds for the 1200-metre distance, covering the final 600 metres in 42 seconds. Similarly, the pair of Icing and Mega Success displayed good form, jumping out well to record a time of 1 minute and 27 seconds for the same distance, with a 42-second split for the final 600 metres.
Small Dreams also showed promise during the gate trials, completing the 1200-metre exercise in 1 minute and 26.5 seconds, with the final 600 metres timed at 44 seconds. In a paired trial, Estefania and Aidenn clocked 1 minute and 25 seconds for 1200 metres, with Estefania finishing five lengths ahead of her companion. Over the longer 1400-metre distance, Elveden and Femme Fatale recorded 1 minute and 38 seconds, with Elveden finishing three lengths in front. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, Star Honour, and Sea Diamond worked together over 1400 metres, with Lex Luthor drawing praise for an impressive display in a time of 1 minute and 38.5 seconds. Not all sessions went to plan, however, as On The Rise planted at the gates during a 1200-metre trial alongside Bay View.
