Bittercreek on song for G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes assault
The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin stable is banking on a call to target a shorter Group 1 race for three-year-olds with Bittercreek will pay off on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
After scoring at Moonee Valley last Saturday in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes, Bittercreek showed Troy Corstens that he was back on target for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.
As a two-year-old, Corstens had his eyes set on the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) with Bittercreek after the colt was showing early promise in short-course races.
Corstens reasoned the son of Snitzel with age and maturity would appreciate the mile trip.
But after a late autumn – early winter campaign in Queensland, Corstens reassessed those thoughts and switched his attention to the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Current leading Melbourne rider Blake Shinn was instrumental in helping Corstens with those plans after partnering Bittercreek in three starts in Queensland, including when second to Broadsiding in the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June.
“I had a good conversation with Blake Shinn who was riding Bittercreek at the time after we ran in the J J Atkins and ran second,” Corstens said.
“Blake suggested that Bittercreek didn’t get the mile, so that really set the tone where we wanted to go in the spring.
“I changed my mind and thought that we would concentrate on the Coolmore instead of the Guineas and hopefully I’ve done the right thing.”
The decision to aim for the Coolmore allowed Bittercreek more time in the paddock in the Queensland warmth before preparing for his return in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on October 5.
Corstens was planning on having just that run as a lead-up to the Coolmore, but Bittercreek performed below par that day on a track softened by rain.
“In hindsight I’m glad he had the run in the Red Anchor as well,” Corstens said.
“He carried more weight than the others and he really attack the line which I thought was terrific.
“Back on top of the ground was the key and I think he’s ready to go in the Coolmore.”
More Racing News
Darley australia to host retired godolphin colts tentyris and observer
A pair of Godolphin colts, each with two Group 1 wins under their belts, have ended their track careers and will stand at stud with Darley later this year.The decision to retire Tentyris and Observer was made public on Monday, seeing them allocated to Darley Australia's separate venues.By Street Boss,...
Ciaron Maher eyes four entrants for VRC St Leger
The champion stayer trainer Ciaron Maher counts one horse already locked in for Saturday's Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington, but he is pushing for substantially more involvement in the key event.Among the 28 declarations for the $200,000 2800-metre race are Awesome Artist, Noble Falcon, Intervened, and Tasmanian Derby champion...
New Zealand's Confesara eyes victory in Australasian Oaks
The track record of Roger James in capturing Australian Group 1 events for three-year-old fillies goes all the way back to the beginning of the 2000s, and he seeks to add to that tally this coming Saturday.Teaming up with co-trainer Robert Wellwood, the Kiwi conditioner has entered Confesara for the...
Adelaide hosts Niance's campaign launch
Grahame Begg, the trainer, is travelling to Adelaide featuring his capable mare Niance, potentially opening doors to a Brisbane-focused campaign for the quick runner.Since Flemington lacks fitting sprint races for Niance on Saturday, Begg chooses the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) held at Morphettville.By chance, Flemington's Anzac Day schedule...
Cap Ferrat set for reunion with Williams in Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The top jockey Craig Williams seeks to conclude a demanding weekend on a high note with a Group 1 win in Hong Kong, reuniting with 2025 Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin come April 26.On Saturday, Williams boasts almost a...
Recon hands Carey elusive Hareeba Stakes success
Pat Carey, the hometown conditioner, has banished his Hareeba Stakes hoodoo after Recon unleashed a dazzling closing effort to take out the prize at Mornington.Carey had endured ongoing frustration in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m), pursuing a victory across several campaigns, notably second with Kelthorpe in 2006 and third via...
All Aged Stakes delivers Beiwacht's second elite victory
Hall of Fame conditioner Chris Waller's unbeaten autumn dominance in Sydney received a fitting finale from Godolphin's Beiwacht, who powered to a determined lead-all-the-way success versus a elite opposition in the Group 1 $1.5 million All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.In addition, Waller filled the first two...
Mornington Cup win gives Kings Valley direct entry to Caulfield Cup
Kings Valley, under the guidance of trainer Ciaron Maher, has clinched a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup courtesy of a gritty performance at Mornington.The Listed Mornington Cup conquest on Saturday delivers the 'Golden Ticket' access to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for October.Maher notched his second Mornington...
Pride stable trifecta topped by Mazu in Hall Mark Stakes
At eight years old, the exceptional Mazu maintains his sharp turn of foot and zest for competition, setting the tempo wire-to-wire for his third consecutive triumph in Saturday's Group 3 $250,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m).Previously, Pride's star had mastered the Hall Mark on rain-affected surfaces where he excels, but facing...
Waller's record Sydney autumn run ends with Fireball edging Champagne Stakes
Chris Waller, the celebrated Hall of Fame trainer, notched a historic Sydney Saturday Group 1 sweep as Fireball got the better of stable companion Campione D'Italia in Saturday's $1 million Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.The autumn carnival's eighth straight (and last) Sydney Saturday of Group 1 races saw Waller...