Joint table-topper Hartnell (Authorized) will attempt to take control of the 2019 NZB Caulfield WFA Championship when he lines up in Sunday's third leg, the A$750,000 Group 1 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes (1800m).
The Godolphin star won the New Zealand Bloodstock Caulfield WFA Championshiptwo years ago, and he has made a strong start again this year with a third placing in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) and a fourth in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m).
That has earned him a total of 10 points from the first two legs, giving him an equal share of the lead alongside Lawrence Stakes winner Mystic Journey (Needs Further) and Memsie Stakes winner Scales of Justice (Not a Single Doubt).
Neither of those rivals will contest Sunday's Underwood, but Hartnell will instead face a quality cast of Series newcomers – including Group 1 winners Gailo Chop (Deportivo), Gatting (Hard Spun), and last year's Underwood winner Homesman (War Front).
Meanwhile, Group 1 winners Kenedna (Not a Single Doubt) and Black Heart Bart (Blackfriars) have each collected 1 point through the Series so far and could move up the table with a strong performance on Sunday.
The Underwood Stakes is worth 10 points to the winner, with 8 points for second, 6 for third, 4 for fourth, 3 for fifth and 1 each for sixth, seventh and eighth.
The Underwood Stakes will be run as Race 7 on Sunday with a start time of 4:00pm (6:00pm NZT).
View the leaderboard and roll of honourhere.
