Phearson on track for the 2025 Takeover Target Stakes
Trainer Brad Widdup has elected to run Phearson in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) this Saturday at Gosford after drawing an ideal gate.
Initially, the plan was to wait for the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone next weekend, but with barrier two secured, Widdup made the call to push forward a week.
“The initial plan was to wait for Scone but we had a think about it,” Widdup said.
“He ran terrific the other day and I thought it was a nice race to have a look at, provided we drew well and we have, so he will definitely go around.”
Phearson finished fourth behind Mazu in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) and appears to be in good form heading into his second-up run.
Widdup acknowledged that the gelding had a challenging spring, but he’s turned things around this time in work.
“Last time in he was a bit erratic and he just wasn’t a happy horse for most of the preparation,” he said.
“He is a very tricky horse but this time through he has been excellent. He’s in a great space at the moment.”
The stable is keeping the Luskin Star Stakes on the table as a back-up option, depending on how Phearson comes through his Gosford run.
“We may back up into that, but we’ll get through Saturday first,” Widdup explained.
“We will probably keep him here in Sydney, maybe look at a race in Melbourne more than Queensland. We will just try to pick off races through the winter and see what happens.”
This year’s Takeover Target Stakes features a competitive line-up including stakes winner Infancy and Godolphin runners Spacewalk and Pereille. For punters looking to back Phearson or others, check the latest odds and offers on trusted betting sites.
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