Trainer John Sargent aiming to again win Randwick staying feature with Casual Connection

News.com.au

23-05-2025

Trainer John Sargent is ready to go back to the future with Casual Connection in the PF Civil Handicap (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Casual Connection, a resolute stayer who revels on wet tracks, won this race 12 months ago to earn his chance in the Brisbane Cup.
But a firm Eagle Farm track meant Sargent's stayer struggled when only eighth in the Group 2 race, won by the Bjorn Baker -trained Alegron.
Sargent hasn't ruled out giving Casual Connection another crack at a Brisbane Cup but the trainer has heeded the lessons from last year.
'I will only run him in the Brisbane Cup if he gets a wet track,'' Sargent said.
'This horse loves it soft or heavy so Randwick on Saturday will be ideal for him.''
Sargent was also buoyed by the barrier draw which has Casual Connection out in gate 15 but he will come in a few barriers after scratchings as the field size is restricted to 13 starters.
'Casual Connection has drawn the rails barrier his last two starts which doesn't suit him,'' the trainer said.
'He is the type of stayer that needs to get his momentum going and make a long, sustained run.
'He's not a sit-and-sprint type so the wider barrier will give him enough room.''
Casual Connection is at $12 and stablemate So Dazzling $19 with TAB Fixed Odds for the Randwick staying race in which the Chris Waller -trained Ahuriri is the $3.80 favourite.
So Dazzling has had two runs back from a spell and Sargent is expecting a more competitive run now the mare gets onto her preferred heavy track surface.
Sargent is also considering a Brisbane carnival campaign for three-year-old filly Bearings if she runs well in the Chalouhi Handicap (1800m).
Bearings is also entered for a race at Newcastle on Saturday but the trainer confirmed she would start at Randwick in a bid to increase her rating enough to get into the Queensland Oaks field next month.
'If Bearings can win at Randwick we will take her up for the Oaks,'' Sargent said.
'She won her maiden at Goulburn then we had to go back from a wide draw at Kensington but she got home strongly. She's a promising staying filly.''