Mark Newnham readies well bred 2YO for debut

Mark Newnham will saddle up Scarzel, who makes his debut in the Paul Hoffman Handicap (1000m).

A $220,000 yearling purchase for syndicators Darby Racing, Scarzel is by Snitzel out of 2016 Sweet Embrace Stakes winner Scarlet Rain and will sport blinkers on Saturday.

“He will run well but this time of year, the two-year-old races are very strong because there are generally horses there that are aiming towards the good races,” Newnham said.

“He is having his first start, he has trialled well with blinkers on and he’s fit and ready to go around.”

Filly Ashema has opened favourite for the juvenile race after finishing second to boom youngster Acrobat at her only start.