Starlight Stakes or George Moore Stakes for Front Page
Matt Dale is still debating where to run evergreen sprinter Front Page this weekend, although stablemate and debutant Bombay Boom is a confirmed starter in Sydney.
Front Page is an acceptor for the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill and the Group 3 George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben and Dale will need to make a decision by Thursday afternoon on whether Front Page heads interstate.
“I’ve got to make a call with Front Page. He doesn’t love shifty tracks or race day rain,” Dale said.
“I didn’t think he was even himself on Kosciuszko day, just in his action with the race day rain there.
“Any time we’ve had him on a shifty track, he’s not at his best. That’s why we are weighing up exactly what we do, and I won’t know until later (Thursday) afternoon.”
Rosehill was still in the good range on Thursday, but rain has been forecast for Friday and Saturday, while Doomben was a soft 7 with the chance of race day showers as well.
If track conditions at both venues prove to be unsuitable, Dale says Front Page is likely to be spelled.
“The good thing is, the owners are very understanding, and they just say, ‘if in doubt, don’t run him’. There is no pressure,” he said.
“He would probably then go for a break and come back for another tilt at The Galaxy.”
Two-year-old Bombay Boom was also paid up for races in Sydney and Brisbane, but Dale said he would take his place in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill.
By Spirit Of Boom out of smart mare Steflara, Bombay Boom has won both his trials under Jason Collett, who will again be in the saddle and has been positive in his feedback on the youngster’s progression.
“We don’t get a heap of colts come through, but this fellow has put his hand up and he has been a natural all the way through,” Dale said.
“There are a bit of nerves going into Saturday, but at the same time, he can’t be in any better order and he is very well-educated, so it’s time to go.”
A $130,000 buy, Bombay Boom will be aimed at the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast in January if he can measure up in the coming weeks.
“If he puts his hand up on Saturday and into his next run, which could be the Wyong Magic Millions, he will definitely be aimed that way, unless he tells us otherwise,” Dale said.
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