Distance rise to help Navajo Peak in JRA Plate
David Payne has taken the blame for Navajo Peak’s disappointing campaign, but he remains adamant the horse will respond to a distance rise in the JRA Plate at Randwick.
The five-year-old posted the most significant win of his career in last year’s Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), prompting Payne to target him at mile races over the autumn.
That plan appeared to be on track when the horse resumed with a competitive fourth to Fangirl in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) before his form tapered off, culminating in his latest unplaced effort in the Doncaster Mile.
In retrospect, Payne said he erred in restricting Navajo Peak to shorter journeys, and he expected a much-improved performance when the gelding stepped out over 2000 metres in Saturday’s Group 3 Randwick feature.
“It was my fault, I thought he was more of a miler,” Payne said.
“But they’ve been running him off his feet. He won the Chelmsford, that was a mile, and I thought, maybe that’s his best distance. I think I’m wrong.
“The other day (in the Doncaster) he was off the bit from the start and struggling.
“But he’s well and he will be more comfortable over 2000.”
Prior to winning the Chelmsford Stakes last spring, Navajo Peak had an outstanding record over middle-distances.
His six runs over 1800m and beyond yielded three wins and three seconds, including stakes placings in the 2023 Gosford Cup (2100m) and the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m).
His only unplaced efforts came after the Chelmsford when he was midfield from a wide draw in the Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) and well beaten in the Metropolitan (2400m).
Having drawn double-figure alleys at his past two runs, Navajo Peak should appreciate a low draw in barrier five at Randwick with Chad Schofield booked for the ride.
He was a $16 chance in early markets with Liverpool City Cup runner-up New Energy a $4 favourite.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...