Inside draw for I Wish I Win in Doomben 10,000
Much was made of I Wish I Win drawing barrier one in The Everest last year and the star sprinter will need to overcome the same potential issue in Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
The five-year-old gelding has only been seen once since then, beaten a neck in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) to stablemate Chain Of Lightning, but Katherine Coleman, who trains in partnership with Peter Moody, says the horse hits this fresh and ready to fire.
“He travelled up last Wednesday. He settled in really well, we’re really happy with him. Couldn’t be happier heading into Doomben,” Coleman said.
“We were just taking it run by run, but it was always a plan to head to Queensland for something. There are a few options but we’ll just get through this run and go from there.”
The difficult decision was made to keep James Mcdonald aboard after he rode the horse first up rather than switch back to regular rider Luke Nolen, but like the horse’s program, Coleman says the stable are flexible when it comes to jockeys.
“Obviously James rode the horse first up, he’s got a good connection with Mark Chittick at Waikato Stud so they were keen to keep him on the horse (but) again, it’s run by run, James has a lot of other commitments to other stable so nothing’s set in stone.”
Regardless of who’s aboard, I Wish I Win is comfortably the highest rated horse in the field, and barrier notwithstanding, Coleman is very confident heading into the $1.5 million feature.
“I think it’s going to take a very, very good horse to beat him.”
The stable are also likely to run T J Smith winner Chain Of Lightning, pending the track conditions, with Doomben listed as a soft 6 on Tuesday morning.
“She needs a little bit of give in the ground… the way it’s been up there last week it should suit her,” Coleman said.
The five-year-old mare is set to go through the Magic Millions Broodmare Sales later this month with the stable keen to take her to Royal Ascot if the new owners wish to.
“We’ll just wait and see what happens there but that would be amazing. It’d be very exciting.”
Chain Of Lightning has drawn barrier five with Jamie Kah to ride while fellow Group 1 winning mares Bella Nipotina and Espiona have drawn barriers three and nine respectively.
More Racing News
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...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...