Stradbroke Handicap shot lures Bianco to The Gateway
The opportunity to earn a ballot exemption for the Stradbroke Handicap has tempted connections of Mister Bianco to take on the older horses in The Gateway, but the move is more than just a throw at the stumps.
The three-year-old has been scratched from a benchmark race on Saturday’s Eagle Farm program in preference for the 1400m feature, both races back-up plans after he was withdrawn from a scheduled assignment at Doomben last weekend due to the wet track.
However, it could prove a blessing in disguise as trainer Paul Shailer has a good opinion of the gelding, believing he has the potential to develop into an ideal Stradbroke Handicap candidate.
“It’s certainly something we’ve got in the back of our minds,” Shailer said.
“I don’t see Saturday being a problem taking on the older horses physically as he is a really big, strong boy. It’s just mentally, he is still six months away from being the finished product.
“He’s got plenty of scope to improve still, but he’s got plenty of ability.
“There is a good race in him somewhere, I just don’t know where it will be.”
Mister Bianco carries owner Peter Tighe’s blue and white Magic Bloodstock colours made famous by Winx, and while the three-year-old won’t reach those grand heights, he is tallying a handy record of his own.
He has won two of his five starts and is yet to miss a top three finish, Shailer’s only reservation ahead of Saturday his month-long spacing between runs.
“We’re really happy with where the horse is at, he is going really well,” he said.
“Four weeks between runs is going to be a little bit of a concern for him, but hopefully that soft barrier in three, he can enjoy a nice run in transit and be strong late.”
Shailer has 40 boxes at the Gold Coast where he has been training for 12 months after moving from his previous base on the NSW mid-north coast.
With stables in Sydney difficult to acquire, he says south-east Queensland has proven the perfect fit, especially with the support of clients such as Tighe.
“It has been really positive. I’m building a really nice client base and the Gold Coast Turf Club seems to be going ahead in leaps and bounds,” Shailer said.
“It has been a good twelve months and we’ve got a nice platform to build off.”
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...