Sandown switch not ideal for Perilous Fighter
The fire at the Norman Robinson Grandstand at Caulfield has led to the transfer of yet another race meeting to Sandown.
After last week’s decision to move the Blue Diamond Preview card to Sandown, the Melbourne Racing Club has now shifted the February 1 meeting to the same venue.
Council Orders Prompt Relocation
The move comes following local council orders that prevent the Melbourne Racing Club from using the Caulfield Grandstand. The restrictions impact essential race-day preparations, including the judge's and race caller's operations.
Trainer Disappointed by Switch
One trainer particularly disheartened by the change is Clayton Douglas, who had been targeting the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield for his promising runner Perilous Fighter.
Douglas had mapped out this race as a crucial step in the campaign of the Starspangledbanner gelding following his impressive first-up win over 1100m at Caulfield on Boxing Day.
“He’s such a good Caulfield horse, and I thought it would be a good time to try him at Stakes level again,” Douglas said.
“He seems to have a good second-up record, and I was really looking forward to seeing him at Caulfield again.
“Sandown, for him, makes it a little bit trickier, but where he’s drawn, he’ll get back and hopefully he’ll be finishing hard and can run another good race.”
Sandown Form a Concern
Perilous Fighter has shown mixed results over the 1000m distance at Sandown. From five starts at the course and distance, he has recorded two third placings, a fourth, and two unplaced runs, including a last-place finish behind Mrs Chrissie, one of his opponents on Saturday, back in June.
Despite the challenges, Douglas remains hopeful of a strong performance.
Race Preview
Perilous Fighter is rated a $26 outsider with betting sites for the seven-horse field. Fickle is the $2.60 favourite, while Mrs Chrissie is the $3.60 third elect.
Saturday’s meeting, though relocated, promises to deliver exciting action as trainers and horses adapt to the new venue at Sandown.
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