Wait and see on Dashing prospects ahead of Lord Stakes
The line that a horse has been racing consistently without winning is very much making the best of a consolation prize, but for Dashing the recent bridesmaid tag could be shaken off at Caulfield Heath on Thursday.
The traditional Boxing Day card featuring the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m) usually takes place on the main Caulfield track but with renovations having it out of play until the Australia Day weekend, the inner course hosts the card which is expected to be run in forecast heat of 38 degrees.
Despite not having had a runner on the new circuit, trainer Aaron Purcell holds no concerns as to how Dashing could handle it if he chooses to start his consistent galloper there or wait for the $300,000 Coastal Classic (1700m) at Geelong ten days later.
“The plan is to accept for Thursday with Craig Newitt to ride,” Purcell said.
“I wouldn’t imagine it to be a super big field with a couple of them nominated having gone around yesterday at Pakenham.
“The weights are a bit strange with Welwall with 60-kilos and the rest are at the bottom with 54.
“If he doesn’t run, the rest will go up.”
Expressing happiness with Dashing’s recent outings which have delivered placings in the Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m) last month and the Werribee Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago, the five-year-old will be hoping to find one or two fewer competitors not finding their peaks.
“Globe ran up to his best and was too good on the day at Cranbourne,” Purcell added.
“At Werribee we drew a bit wide and had to work a bit early which left us vulnerable late for Riot And Rose to run over the top of us.
“He’s right there and just needs to draw a gate and get a bit of luck in running.”The barrier draw will be key in Purcell’s decision to start when the final fields are released on Tuesday.
In his past two starts, Dashing has again broken through the 100 and above level according to Racing and Sports ratings.
Equalling a career peak of 106 last start at Werribee, that mark was previously matched when finishing ninth in the 2022 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) behind Golden Mile.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...