Fiveandahalfstar favourite for BMW

Monday 1 April 2013, 6:03pm

Fiveandahalfstar made a brief visit to the new Randwick parade ring on Monday for a familiarisation tour of the facility.

The favourite for Saturday's BMW at Rosehill, Fiveandahalfstar will back up a week later in the Australian Derby to take on It's A Dundeel, winner of the Randwick and Rosehill Guineas.

"I just wanted him to have a walk around the enclosure so he knows what it's like," trainer Anthony Cummings said.

Cummings has no regrets about missing the Rosehill Guineas with Fiveandahalfstar but admits the winner It's A Dundeel was impressive.

Fiveandahalfstar won the Victoria Derby in the spring in which It's A Dundeel was unplaced.

After three seconds in his Melbourne autumn campaign, he ran another second when claimed late in the Ranvet Stakes by Foreteller.

Hugh Bowman will replace Ranvet jockey Peter Robl on the gelding for his next two starts after Glen Boss rode him to three seconds in his Melbourne autumn campaign.

"The Rosehill Guineas was there if I thought he needed to run before the BMW," Cummings said.

"But I decided against it.

"It's A Dundeel seems to be the one to beat in the Derby but we'll get through the BMW first."

The $2.25 million BMW (2400m) is Sydney's second richest race after the $3.5 million Golden Slipper on the same day.

Connections of Auckland Cup winner Sangster paid the $60,000 late entry fee on Monday to put him in the race.

Sangster finished seventh in the Ranvet but worked well enough in the week since to persuade trainer Trent Busuttin and his owners it was worth the punt.

The BMW field will be declared on Tuesday along with the Slipper.

Fiveandahalfstar was at $3.30 on Monday ahead of Foreteller at $7 and Ranvet third placegetter Maluckyday at $8.

It's A Dundeel is the $1.70 Derby favourite ahead of Fiveandahalfstar at $4.40.

Acceptances for the other races on Saturday's program will be taken on Wednesday.

– AAP

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