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.
More Racing News
Pfieffer aiming for stakes repeat with Oh Diamond Lil at Hawkesbury
David Pfieffer is following the successful blueprint from Oh Diamond Lil's spring campaign in his effort to land the attractive mare a further stakes victory in the Hawkesbury Crown.The five-year-old dictated terms wire-to-wire to take the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle on debut back in September, with Pfieffer...
In-form filly Rohesia eyes Adelaide Guineas
Will Hayes is confident that several positive developments have converged to help progressive filly Rohesia rediscover the winning thread.This daughter of Hanseatic has triumphed in her two most recent 1400m assignments, the most recent in stakes grade, leading the team to base her in Adelaide for Saturday's Listed Adelaide Guineas...
Jabez Johnstone from Tasmania grabs mainland success with Ciaron Maher
Jabez Johnstone, apprentice from Tasmania, has enhanced his prospects for a future shift to Melbourne with a winning ride for trainer Ciaron Maher.The young rider steered Maher's Cardi Bee to the top in the IVE> Handicap (1500m) held at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday as part of a brief incursion.Johnstone jetted...
Another Cashie set for improved Queensland Guineas run according to Dunn
Matt Dunn, the trainer, is overlooking the most recent run of Another Cashie, expecting the three-year-old to recover and put on a spirited display in the Group Two Queensland Guineas regardless of his big odds.After a strong return at the Gold Coast on April 4, Another Cashie trailed the field...
Kembla Grange incident leaves Schiller needing medical okay for upcoming rides
Following a tumble at Kembla Grange on race day, Tyler Schiller faces the requirement of medical clearance to complete his commitments at Wagga and Hawkesbury over the coming days.In Wednesday's second race, Schiller was on board Hawkes Racing's Winters Kiss, the mare holding a forward position and appearing likely to...
Matias and Jedibeel sidelined by injuries through end of Sydney season
Talented three-year-old Matias is sidelined from the Queensland Derby owing to a leg problem, as elite sprinter Jedibeel needs throat surgery and faces a delayed comeback later in the year.The duo of capable runners will mark significant absences at minimum through the season's close, having displayed flashes of elite-race promise...
Maher team pivots Twilight Elegance to Morphettville stakes
Seeking significant Black Type credentials, Ciaron Maher's team has decided to send Twilight Elegance to Adelaide.This Saturday's Listed Port Adelaide Cup (2518m) at Morphettville gives the mare a shot at Black Type, which would notably elevate her broodmare potential.She had been entered for Flemington last Saturday, yet after checking the...
Hawkesbury Gold Cup looms as Waterford's next mission
Experienced racer Waterford often notches wins through his preparations, with Chris Waller keeping the Hawkesbury Gold Cup firmly in mind as a primary goal for a while now.Since his last triumph in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill during September, the seven-year-old has been off the track following...
Emergency spot for Accidental Bid in chase for South Australian Derby
The imported three-year-old Accidental Bid must hope for a forfeiture in the South Australian Derby to gain entry into the Group 1 feature at Morphettville.Having switched to Ciaron Maher from his UK beginnings, Accidental Bid holds first emergency status after Tuesday's final fields and Saturday's barrier draw for the South...
Wide barrier frustrates Beaton ahead of Ipswich handicap
Renita Beaton from the Gold Coast views Wednesday's Voodoo Ranger Handicap at Ipswich as the right third-up target for Smart As Smart, which explains her dismay at the barrier allocation.In the benchmark 70 race over 1710m, the Smart Missile gelding drew the outside post among 12 runners including an emergency.The...