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
Ciaron Maher establishes permanent Sydney base at Crown Lodge
Ciaron Maher has declared he's found his ultimate Sydney base, officially relocating to the prominent Crown Lodge complex in Warwick Farm, with the prominent trainer anticipating a more substantial metropolitan presence in the upcoming seasons.Maher's initial strategy involved setting up at Leilani Lodge in Randwick and he had begun renovations...
Lindsay Park's Triple Threat for Aurie's Star Handicap
Lindsay Park is poised to unleash a powerful three-pronged assault on this Saturday's Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington. A significant highlight of the day will be the return of champion jockey Blake Shinn, who is scheduled to ride War Machine. This marks Shinn's first race appearance since sustaining a serious...
Boomtown Boss heads south for Flemington's Aurie's Star Handicap challenge
Tony Gollan, a Brisbane-based trainer, has dispatched Boomtown Boss, a capable gelding, to Melbourne with the intention of broadening the horse's horizons ahead of his first-up attempt in the Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.The Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap, a 1200-metre contest, might serve as the initial step...
Home Affairs Dominates Freshman Sire Premiership
The season is winding down, and Home Affairs is set to be crowned Australia's Champion First-Season Sire. Coolmore's exciting young stallion has produced a remarkable debut crop that has significantly exceeded expectations.While the final tally for his stallion premierships won't be confirmed until the season's close, one major accolade has...
Funshow ready for Saturday grade challenge
With the spring carnival on the horizon, trainer Nathan Doyle is eager to seize the moment by testing progressive gelding Funshow in Saturday metropolitan races.The son of Cosmic Force, who has impressively won his last two outings by a combined 6-1/2 lengths, is slated for a Benchmark 72 race over...
Sobek set for Rosehill debut as Singleton anticipates Highway Handicap success
Trainer Scott Singleton has grown accustomed to Sobek's winning ways and is keen to unveil the undefeated gelding in metropolitan racing this weekend.Sobek is scheduled to make his city debut at Rosehill's season-opening meeting on Saturday. The talented four-year-old has been nominated for two 1200-metre events: the $160,000 Benchmark 72...
Spring Preparations Commence for Planet Red and Sabaj
Although Planet Red and Sabaj have distinct goals for the spring racing season, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained geldings might cross paths during their preparations.The two horses completed their initial jumpouts of the campaign on Monday morning at Cranbourne.Sabaj finished third, less than two lengths behind the winner...
Farewell to a Champion: Stern Idol's Final Race Approaches
The illustrious career of champion jumper Stern Idol is nearing its conclusion, with one final outing planned for the Crisp Steeplechase next Sunday.Stern Idol is set to vie for his fourth victory in the Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) before being retired from racing.Trainer Ciaron Maher was effusive in his praise for...
Autumn Boy's Spring Campaign: Unfinished Business Awaits
Prominent trainer Chris Waller believes star colt Autumn Boy has unfinished business to attend to this spring, with the intention to achieve what his father, The Autumn Sun, could not.The Autumn Sun, also trained by Waller, boasts an impressive record of eight wins from nine starts before his retirement at...
Cosmic Crusader dominates Bletchingly Stakes in first start for Andrea Leek
A former Perth galloper, Cosmic Crusader, has made an immediate impact on the eastern seaboard, claiming the season's final Stakes race at Caulfield.In his inaugural start for the Andrea Leek stable, Cosmic Crusader captured the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. This victory follows his second-place finish in the...