Bases Loaded set to contend Theo Marks Stakes

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott had to tread patiently with Bases Loaded last campaign when he was coming off a 12-month stint on the sidelines, but it is a different scenario this time around.

The four-year-old will resume in Saturday’s Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday after rounding out a three-start Queensland carnival campaign with a strong Gunsynd Classic (1600m) victory at Eagle Farm.

It followed a brace of fifth place finishes in the Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) and Fred Best Classic (1500m), the entire’s first appearances since his runner-up effort behind Militarize in the 2023 Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).

Bott said the extended break meant Bases Loaded took time to hit his straps in the late autumn and winter, but he doesn’t expect that to be the case this preparation.

“He was off the scene for a long time and he needed a bit of racing so we could get him to where he needed to be,” Bott said.

“He hit a few wet tracks for his first two runs as well which, for a big horse, he’s not as effective on.

“I’d like to think he’s more forward this time around having had the recent racing and a Queensland campaign.”

Bases Loaded served indication of just that with his most recent 1045m trial performance, blitzing his rivals by more than six lengths.

Bott says that hitout will have him on song for his first-up assignment despite an outside draw in barrier 15.

“His trial was good, and it probably showed the intention there to have him more prepared for when he gets to the races,” he said.

Doomben Cup runner-up New Endeavour will also resume in the same race, although his best form is over longer journeys.

Bott expects that trend to continue and is confident the gelding can make his mark deeper into the spring.

“It’s a starting point for him. We saw last preparation he wasn’t really effective until we got him out to a mile plus, particularly in that grade,” Bott said.

“He’s in good order, but I expect it to take a few runs until we see him at his sweet spot.”

The Theo Marks will also be the spring starting point for Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, who is on a Golden Eagle path.