Lindermann on track for the Craven Plate

Wide barriers have frustrated the start of Lindermann’s latest campaign, prompting connections to opt for Plan B at Randwick courtesy of the fact it comes with an inside draw.

The 2023 Rosehill Guineas winner was slated to contest Saturday’s Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) but has already been scratched after drawing the outside in the field of 16.

He will instead take his place in the Group 3 Craven Plate (1800m) where he was dealt a much kinder alley – barrier one.

“He was going to go to the 1500 on Saturday but then he drew 16. We thought, he doesn’t need another forget run,” trainer Chris Waller’s stable representative Charlie Duckworth said.

“He steps up to the 1800, which is probably more suitable for him anyway, and he gets a soft draw and a good jockey (Joao Moreira).

“I think he is capable of putting in a pretty bold performance.”

Lindermann was jagged back from an outside alley when he resumed in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) and never got into the race, which was dominated by the on-speed runners.

Connections have put a line through that run and Duckworth says the five-year-old has been pleasing them at home.

“Going into that first-up run, he was actually nominated for a 1200 metre race the week before and (jockey) James McDonald said to us, ‘don’t waste a run over the 12, just go to the 14 because he should be pretty competitive’,” Duckworth said.

“Then when we drew the awkward gate, we just had to take our medicine, which was a real shame because he is a talented horse on his day.”

Lindermann has a solid record of two wins and as many placings from five second-up runs, including a third behind Think It Over and Fangirl in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) during the autumn.

He forms part of a strong Craven Plate (1800m) hand for Waller, who will also be represented by $5 second favourite Democracy Manifest and last year’s Epsom Handicap winner Rediener ($8).

Lindermann splits that pair at $5.50 with betting headed by Fawkner Park at $4.