Distance test for Stokes pair in Caulfield Guineas Prelude and Jim Moloney Stakes
Trainer Phillip Stokes is optimistic that his runners Stay Cosmic and Ferivia will both relish the 1400-metre test when they step out at Caulfield on Saturday.
Stay Cosmic will line up in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m), while Ferivia heads to the Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m). Both horses head in off promising 1200-metre efforts.
Stay Cosmic made a big impression first-up when flashing home for second behind Rosberg in the Group 3 McKenzie Stakes (1200m), stamping himself as a colt looking for more ground.
“His run was really good, he was a bit slow out but closed off well late,” Stokes said.
“I think that form is going to be okay, Rosberg looks like a very good horse but I don’t think he’s going that way.
“He’s always been a bit more tractable than his brother Stay Focused, I’ve always thought he’d be a miler.
“I definitely think he’s looking for the 1400 (metres) and then the mile so that will suit, he put in a nice piece of work on Saturday morning and he’ll take his place with Jamie Melham booked to ride.
“We’re hoping he can get into a Caulfield Guineas, that’s been the plan anyway.”
Stablemate Ferivia, a Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) winner two runs ago, didn’t have much go right when sixth in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) last time out.
“She came out, I think she might’ve been in season, she tried to buck and got out of her ground,” Stokes said.
“She closed well late with no room, I think she’s definitely looking for the 1400 metres as well.
“This will be the fork in the road but I think she will get the trip, she’s relaxing nicely. We were always worried going to Moonee Valley, we didn’t think that’d be her track and we were probably proved right.
“The form has been franked through My Gladiola winning so I’m hoping she can bounce back.”
Ferivia will jump from barrier two with Lachlan Neindorf aboard at $9, while Stay Cosmic has barrier seven and is currently quoted at $4.20 as second favourite.
Punters wanting to get involved in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude or the Jim Moloney Stakes can find the latest markets on Australia’s leading betting sites.
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