Converge out to break 18-month losing streak at Randwick

Converge has defeated champion Anamoe and made a race of it with superstar Think About It but he's at generous odds for the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

TAB Fixed Odds price assessors have Converge at $10 in overnight betting even though he is quite clearly the best-performed runner in the Prelude field.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Converge is a dual Group 1 winner and although he hasn't won a race since he held off Anamoe in the Randwick Guineas 18 months ago, his form hasn't completely deserted him.

During the Sydney autumn carnival earlier this year, Converge was beaten less than half a length into third behind Anamoe in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes and then he went to Brisbane and ran Think About It to less than a length when second in the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup.

Adrian Bott with Converge.

Converge's two unplaced runs this spring has dented Waterhouse's confidence a little but she believes the gelding can bounce back in the Prelude.

"I know Converge has had a few chances but when he is right, he is a top class horse,'' Waterhouse said. "Adrian's been very happy with the horse's this week.''

Converge's stablemate, Zoumon, is resuming in the Prelude and although the stayer's best form is over longer distances — he won the McKell Cup (2000m), Caloundra Cup (2400m) and Grafton Cup (2350m) at his last three starts — he has shown surprising dash in recent barrier trials.

"Zoumon is getting ready for the Perth carnival and although he needs further, I can't tell you how well he is going on the track and his trials,'' Waterhouse said.

The Hall of Fame trainer also predicted her two-year-olds, The Three Hundred and Shangri La Express, were capable of running 1-2 on debut in the Kirkham Plate (1000m).

Meanwhile, the Waterhouse and Bott-trained Alcohol Free has been selected for the $2 million The Invitation (1400m) at Royal Randwick next Saturday.