Hedged to go again in the 2026 Standish Handicap
With the early disappointment now behind them, Gavin Bedggood is taking a measured approach with Hedged as the sprinter builds momentum in his campaign.
Hedged registered his first win for the Cranbourne trainer – and his first success in 18 months – when he capitalised on clear running to score decisively in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Sandown on Boxing Day.
The win came at the gelding’s fifth run for the stable following a string of luckless efforts, and he is set to press on toward Saturday’s Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.
While Bedggood accepts the Capitalist gelding will require a spell later in the preparation, he is confident the current routine allows Hedged to continue racing while he remains in good order.
“We sent him down the beach post-Cranbourne for a week and he thrived off that,” Bedggood said.
“We’ve just tried to replicate that. Monday morning (after Sandown) he got on the float and he came home on Friday.
“He’s very fit now, so we don’t have to do much with him. It’s just one little pipe-opener in between runs just to clean his wind up and that seems to be working well.
“As soon as we’re not happy with him he’ll go for a break – you can’t keep going forever – but while he looks well and he’s doing well in the stable we’ll keep him going.”
The $200,000 Standish Handicap will be Hedged’s first Flemington assignment since last spring’s Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes (1200m), where he was badly held up before rattling home behind Caballus.
His previous experience down the straight includes a victory in a three-year-old handicap and a fifth placing in the Sunlight Classic, won by Estriella, both over 1100 metres.
“I wouldn’t think the straight holds any concerns,” Bedggood said.
“I thought Harry (Coffey) executed the ride really well last start and understood the horse well and found a happy medium with him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how they pair up again and hopefully we can continue the association.”
Hedged is one of 16 nominations for the Standish Handicap, with Maharba and Aviatress shaping as notable opposition.
The post Hedged to go again in Standish Handicap first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
More Racing News
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...