Wolfgang presses on to Blue Diamond Stakes
A gallop at Cranbourne on Monday will determine the future of the autumn campaign of Wolfgang.
The Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans-trained two-year-old has been entered for the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
But Yeomans said a decision on whether he starts in that race or is reserved for the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington the following week will be determined after Monday’s hit-out.
Yeomans said the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 24 remains in their sights despite an inglorious performance in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast last month.
“He’s great and we think he’s thriving, but we’re not sure whether we want to go to the Prelude or the Talindert,” Yeomans said.
“Obviously, the Talindert will be a bit weaker, but we’re not sure how well he handles the straight, so it’s a tricky one.
“The Prelude is obviously going to be very strong, but we’re leaning to probably running in the Prelude and seeing whether he’s up to them.
“He’s had a big prep and if he runs well, we can possibly go on to the Diamond and if he doesn’t run well, it’s time for a spell.”
Yeomans said countless tests had been performed on Wolfgang following his last-place finish at the Gold Coast which followed successive wins at Morphettville and Doomben.
She said Blake Shinn thought Wolfgang had hurt himself during the race, but tests could not find anything serious.
“He was great going into the race,” Yeomans said.
“But his action visibly changed at the 600-metre mark, and he stopped, and we thought something must be horrifically wrong.
“We did blood tests, checked his heart, x-rayed him, did everything, and there were no major abnormalities, just some muscle soreness.
“He did get a leg up in the gates and was vetted at the gates and he was sore the following day, so whether he tweaked something, so that is why we have decided to try again and see where he’s at.
“He’s a valuable colt and hopefully this will decide his future.”
More Racing News
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...
King Pedro defies odds in thrilling Grafton Cup victory
King Pedro has cemented his credentials for the spring staying races following an exceptional display to win the Listed Grafton Cup, navigating a slow-paced affair.Trainer Tom Charlton, observing from his Sydney base, admitted to initial apprehension regarding the track's bias against backmarkers. These nerves were amplified when Tahlia Fenlon, on...