Adelaide Stakes options for O’Brien pair

Brave Design will chase a breakthrough Stakes win in Adelaide this weekend after Danny O’Brien’s stable chose the Group 3 David Coles AM Stakes (1200m) over a handicap at Caulfield.

The colt had been entered for both venues but was scratched from the Caulfield event to focus on gaining valuable Black Type in Morphettville’s feature two-year-old sprint.

“It’s a Group 3 race and he’s a colt and if he could win a Stakes race as a two-year-old it helps,” O’Brien explained.

“His two runs in the autumn were terrific. He ran second to Vinrock in the Sires’ and the Talindert form has turn out good also.

“He seems to have improved and has come back very well and in Adelaide he doesn’t have to give them weight.”

Brave Design has shown promise in elite company already, placing in the Talindert Stakes and the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes, both behind top juvenile Vinrock — who later won the ATC Sires’ Produce before being sold to Yulong.

Queensland looms next, with the colt entered for the Sires’ Produce and the Group 1 JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm.

“He’s entered for the Sires’ and J J Atkins in Brisbane, so he’ll run on Saturday and then it’s three weeks to the Sires’,” O’Brien added.

Joining Brave Design in Adelaide is Litzdeel, a promising stayer set for the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic following a narrow second in the VRC St Leger. The filly is a half-sister to Melbourne Cup hero Vow And Declare.

“She’s in great shape,” O’Brien said.

“Her run was very brave the other day when she got photed out of it in the St Leger.

“She’s back against the fillies this time and seems to have come through the St Leger well and this will be her last run for the prep.

“It would be great to win a Stakes race with her as she’s a half-sister to Vow And Declare and she’s a promising stayer.”

Looking to bet on Brave Design or Litzdeel this weekend? Find the best promotions and offers from top Australian bookies on our betting sites page.