Jedibeel reroutes to 2025 The Shorts after setback

Trainer Brad Widdup concedes he has been forced to throw Jedibeel in the deep end, with the gelding to resume in the star-packed The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick.

After missing his intended first-up assignment in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) due to a minor ankle strain, Jedibeel will now face a field that includes Briasa, Joliestar, Private Harry and Headwall, all heading towards The Everest (1200m).

“Very hard race,” Widdup said. “That is why it was very frustrating not to be able to run him last week. I’m not saying he would have won that race, but he drew well and it looked a good race for him. This race is going to be ten times harder. We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere and I’d rather stay at home in Sydney.”

Kerrin McEvoy, booked to ride in The Shorts, gave Jedibeel a solo gallop between races at Rosehill on Saturday, a move Widdup considered the best option after his slight setback.

“We wanted to get him away from home and just do a little bit of work. It was a nice little hit-out today. I’ll probably need to do a little bit more during the week and then hopefully he can acquit himself well next week,” he said.

Meanwhile, Widdup revealed that Silver Shadow Stakes winner Savvy Hallie will not race again this spring after her game third in the Furious Stakes (1200m).

“She has gone for a break,” he said. “Everything is fine. She is going to be better as she gets on.”