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Deep Field well into red for Lightning Hcp

The untapped potential of Deep Field is likely to be showcased on a firmer-than-anticipated track at Randwick.

Deep Field will be the shortest-priced favourite racing on a metropolitan track in Australia on Saturday as he tries to make a winning transition from midweek record breaker to stakes-class sprinter.

The four-year-old is being talked about as the next star for Hawkes Racing and Lightning Handicap markets suggest bookmakers have adopted the same line of thinking.

He is as short as a $1.25 with some bookmakers although $1.30 seems be a general quote as Deep Field tries to make it four wins from as many starts.

And it's likely he won't have to prove himself on a rain-affected surface in a bid to keep his perfect record.

Randwick improved into the slow range on Thursday and clear skies on Friday could result in another upgrade.

"The track might be even better than that on raceday," Australian Turf Club racecourse manager Lindsay Murphy said.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said running Deep Field in the Listed event ensured the stable wasn't departing from a spring campaign designed to ease the sprinter into better races.

"We've taken our chance to run him here in Sydney," Hawkes said.

"Everyone wanted to rush down to Melbourne but we've elected to stay here and keep with the program.

"He's well, he's good and he's in with a good chance."

For a stable that prides itself on keeping a lid on the hype, Hawkes' assessment of Deep Field is about as positive as it gets.

Lightning acceptor Miracles Of Life was scratched on Wednesday to run in Melbourne on Saturday and Deep Field's opposition has since fallen away even further.

Ramornie Handicap winner Big Money will run against Miracles Of Life in the Caulfield Sprint and his absence leaves That's A Good Idea as the only horse given the slightest chance against the favourite.

But if That's A Good Idea is to match strides with Deep Field he will need the forecast for fine weather to be right because he is yet to win on anything worse than a good track.