# Regan Bayliss Targets Big Dance Victory with Fully Lit

Jockey Regan Bayliss prepares for the $3 million Big Dance at Randwick with Fully Lit.

- **Source:** [Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News](https://www.smh.com.au/rss/feed.xml)
- **Published:** 2026-11-02
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing/going-better-than-ever-bayliss-ready-to-put-best-foot-forward-in-big-dance-20261102-p61ajy.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0d5fc6d7-2bf2-4327-bb21-f670a93677c7

## High Stakes at Randwick

Jockey Regan Bayliss is preparing for the $3 million Big Dance race held at Randwick this Tuesday. Having previously secured a victory in the 2023 edition of this event aboard Attractable, Bayliss aims to replicate that success. The race features a significant prize pool, attracting top-tier competition and intense professional focus.

## Reuniting with Fully Lit

Bayliss is reuniting with the five-year-old horse Fully Lit, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The horse recently returned from surgery to remove a knee bone chip. Despite finishing eighth in the Epsom Handicap, Bayliss maintains that the horse is currently performing at a level better than ever before.

## Tactical Speed and Barriers

Fully Lit drew barrier 18, which will shift to 15 after emergencies are removed. Bayliss acknowledges that this wide draw presents a challenge in a field stacked with speed. However, he remains confident that the horse possesses the necessary tactical speed to overcome the disadvantage and remain competitive throughout the mile.

## Preparation and Recent Form

The horse qualified for the Big Dance by winning the group 3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle. Following a month between runs and a successful takeover trial, Bayliss reports that the horse feels terrific. This preparation period was crucial for Fully Lit to regain top form after his recent medical recovery phase.

## Bayliss's Seasonal Success

Beyond the Big Dance, Bayliss has enjoyed a productive season with three group 3 successes. His collaborations with the Waterhouse-Bott stable include victories in the Up And Coming Stakes with Plagiarism and the Breeders’ Plate with Flying Houdini. These results underscore his consistent performance and strong standing within the racing circuit.

## Contending in Little Dance

Bayliss also holds a strong position in the $750,000 Little Dance with the Ciaron Maher-trained I’mintowin. As the $3.10 favorite starting from gate five, the seven-year-old gelding is considered a major contender. Bayliss previously rode this horse and expressed satisfaction in being reunited with him for this specific race event.

## Weight and Barrier Advantages

I’mintowin enters the Little Dance with a favorable barrier draw and a reduced weight load. Bayliss noted that the horse performed well under a heavy weight in his last outing. Given the current form and the strategic placement, Bayliss believes the horse is well-positioned to secure a victory on Tuesday.

## Strategic Racing Outlook

The upcoming races at Randwick highlight the intersection of tactical preparation and physical conditioning. Bayliss balances his responsibilities across multiple high-stakes entries, relying on his experience with both Fully Lit and I’mintowin. Success in these events requires precise execution, especially when navigating challenging barrier draws in highly competitive, large-field race environments.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing/going-better-than-ever-bayliss-ready-to-put-best-foot-forward-in-big-dance-20261102-p61ajy.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
