Randwick trainer John Thompson has given the tick of approval to gun New Zealand mare Entreviere for the inaugural The Invitation – a curious twist given he is preparing Sweet Deal for the $2 million race.

His acknowledgement of Entreviere’s favouritism comes because he is housing two of Sweet Deal’s main rivals for the race at his stables due to COVID restrictions.

Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards has asked if Entreviere could stay with Thompson in Sydney, while Queensland’s Robert Heathcote has also been unable to put the final touches on Startantes in person.

Thompson, who is hoping for a farewell payday from Sweet Deal in either The Invitation or defending her crown in The Hunter, is in the envious position of knowing exactly how his mare’s main rivals are travelling before the Randwick feature.

It means Thompson has been juggling duties with three of The Invitation’s drawcards, with Entreviere a dominant $3.10 favourite with Sportsbet on Thursday to win the first running of the spring carnival addition.

“She’s staying with me and she’s doing well,” he said. “She won well at Kembla beating my mare and her run the other day [in the Golden Pendant] was good having got back, she hit the line well. She’s going really well.”

Sweet Deal’s connections put retirement plans on hold after the announcement of The Invitation, which exclusively grants 12 spots to fillies and mares for a 1400-metre race a week after The Everest. The owners had her served by Zoustar and planned a three-run campaign to take in The Invitation, in which she’s a $12 chance.

Thompson said he has had several mares who have raced while in foal and insists they flourish.