Sir can hold Sway at Oakbank in 2025 Hills Railway Stakes

Sir Sway returns to action this Saturday in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes (1100m) at Oakbank, fresh off a Group 3 assignment where he wasn’t disgraced behind Asfoora and Climbing Star. Trained by the mother-and-son duo Sue and Jason Jaensch, the gelding is considered a leading contender in this weekend’s feature sprint as he gears up for a shot at Group 1 glory next month.

After finishing eighth in the R N Irwin Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville, Sir Sway has recovered well and will back up on a week’s turnaround as a stepping stone to the The Goodwood on May 10.

“We thought we might as well back him up here and then he can go three weeks into The Goodwood,” trainer Jason Jaensch said. “The Goodwood is our aim.”

Sitting at the top of the betting boards at $2.60, Sir Sway faces 10 rivals including Extremely Lucky ($5) and Taunting ($5.50). Despite a wide draw in barrier 11, Jaensch is optimistic the gelding can handle the task.

“It is a little bit easier field this time but still tough enough in its own right,” Jason said.

“The barrier isn’t really a problem as he hasn’t really drawn on the track at all this preparation so we’re not too concerned with the draw.”

The decision to target Saturday’s race came quickly after last weekend’s effort, as Jaensch explained.

“We hadn’t really looked at this race and initially thought that this race wouldn’t fit in but he ran really well on Saturday and mum was like, ‘would you think about facing him up again’, so I thought about it and he’s pulled up fine so why not have a go and see what happens.”

Jake Toeroek takes the ride, and while he hasn’t partnered many for the stable, the Jaenschs were pleased by the interest from his manager shortly after nominations were posted.