Gelded Linebacker ready to rumble in the Eskimo Prince Stakes
John O’Shea is confident that Linebacker will hit the ground running when he returns to the track as a gelding in the Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick.
Having previously placed at Group 1 level, Linebacker had a short spring campaign, last seen finishing sixth in the Golden Rose after displaying pre-race antics that impacted his performance.
Following that run, he was promptly spelled and gelded. Now set to launch his fresh campaign in Saturday’s three-year-old feature, he comes in with limited race experience, having started only twice in the past 10 months.
However, O’Shea remains optimistic, recalling Linebacker’s strong finish when fourth to Traffic Warden in his first-up appearance in The Run To The Rose (1200m) in September. He believes the horse will be highly competitive in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m).
“First-up he was very good last time in the six (furlong race), and he is going to concentrate a little bit better this week,” O’Shea said.
“He came through his trial really well. I’m very happy with him and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”
Under the race’s set weights and penalties conditions, Linebacker will carry the topweight of 58.5kg, with Kerrin McEvoy retaining the ride.
O’Shea will also saddle up promising filly Snow In May, who made significant strides last preparation. After winning a class one event at Newcastle in just her second career start in August, she quickly progressed to finish in the placings in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m).
While O’Shea acknowledges that Saturday’s sprint distance may be short of her ideal trip, he believes this race fits better into her preparation rather than the traditional fillies’ route through next week’s Light Fingers Stakes (1200m). Her main goal remains the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on March 1.
“We think three weeks into the Surround is better for her so she can have a little burn around on Saturday,” he said.
Snow In May and Linebacker have drawn barriers three and four, respectively, in a field of 10 runners for the Group 3 event.
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