Media Award stakes her claim

GEELONG Racehorse of the Year winner Media Award was one of the last horses asked to run in the first $2m The Invitation but that will not matter if she is first over the line at Randwick on Saturday.

Along with Forbidden Love, Media Award is one of two Group 1 winners in the race but is only rated a $23 chance.

She has not been seen since taking out the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in May and was denied a place in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks when scratched on vet advice.

Geelong trainer Chris Calthorpe left his Shamus Award mare in the Sunshine State before bringing her home to prepare for the spring.

Calthorpe (pictured) did not know he would be sending her to a $2m race first-up but was more than happy to be bringing her to Randwick.

“I’m really excited and I was relieved to get an invitation because I thought she should’ve got one earlier than Sunday,” he said.

“She spelled up in Queensland and she’s been in work since late July.

“We’re pretty happy with where she’s at and we’re looking forward to getting up there and showing her off on Saturday.”

Media Award won all three races in the autumn, including a 1479m win fresh at Kyneton.

Calthorpe is sure he has her in perfect shape for the richest race of her life with 59kg on her back.

“The 1400m doesn’t worry me. The weight worries me a bit though,” he said.

“She’s never really carried more than 57kg, so that’s a bit of a concern and it’s the first time she’s going to have to win with that weight.

“She’s in good order and has a nice trial 10 days ago and a couple of really good gallops on the course proper since so we’re pretty happy with where she’s at.”

Calthorpe was scrambling to find a rider after the barrier draw on Wednesday morning and secured Andrew Adkins to ride her out of gate 12.

Kiwi raider Entriviere is still a dominant $3 favourite despite drifting from $2.70 after being handed barrier 11.

There has also been early support for the Chris Wallertrained Nudge who has firmed in from $15 in to $12.

Calthorpe wants Adkins to ride Media Award patient.

“She’ll be in the back half of the field and she’s pretty adaptable. She’s a sweet thing to ride, so hopefully she can do us all proud,” he said.