Banker’s Choice takes step towards the Caulfield Cup
A poor barrier draw has dented the confidence of the Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson stable as they prepare Banker’s Choice towards a Caulfield Cup start.
Banker’s Choice heads to the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday, his second outing back after missing an autumn campaign.
The stable was pleased with Banker’s Choice’s first-up run under Damian Lane in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes and are eyeing the rise in trip on Saturday as being beneficial.
Moroney and Thompson combined for their first victory together at Sandown during the week, but Saturday’s poor draw means their second victory may be a little longer in coming.
“I thought he ran really well first-up, but I fear it’s going to be a similar story on Saturday,” Thompson said.
“I thought if he had drawn a gate first-up he would have run top three or four and I thought he would have been a good chance this week, but he’s drawn off the track again.
“So, it’s going to a bit tricky. Hopefully Damian will be able to work something out.
“He’s come back really well, and I think he can win a good race this time in.”
A winner of the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on heavy ground, Banker’s Choice has not been successful since winning that race in 2022.
To gain a start in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19, Banker’s Choice will need to land a nice race along the way or earn a ballot exemption by taking out the Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on September 21.
“At this staged he’s mapped towards the Caulfield Cup, but he’s going to have to win something along the way to get into it,” Thompson said.
“He should have nearly won the Toorak Handicap last prep, and we think he’s a top-class horse that just needs things to go his way for a change.
“The MRC Foundation Cup, I think is the race after this week, but we’ll see how we go on Saturday, but it’s a shame he’s drawn off the track again.”
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...