Incognito remains in 2026 Golden Slipper equation

Former Golden Slipper favourite Incognito remains on a path to the world’s richest two-year-old race, with minor gear tweaks planned to keep him on track.

The Breeders' Plate winner was below his best in the Canonbury Stakes first-up, with jockey Tommy Berry reporting a possible palate displacement post-race.

Trainer Michael Freedman said subsequent veterinary checks supported that call, noting the condition is often transient and manageable.

“It can be displaced for a very short period of time then go back in place very quickly,” Freedman said.

“It’s a bit of a frustrating one and they can do it once and never do it again. It’s one of those racing things that can happen sometimes. Hopefully we can just make a few subtle changes because he is obviously a lot better than that.

“I was, to some degree, quite happy to find an issue. If you go home with no issues, you think maybe we’re not good enough.”

Freedman confirmed Racing NSW stewards have not required another trial, with the Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill on February 21 pencilled in as Incognito’s next run.

Provided all goes smoothly, a month later the Golden Slipper remains the grand target.

“He’s in good order so the plan will be to change a little bit of gear on him,” Freedman said.

“I’m not exactly sure what that will be, maybe a tongue tie and a different type of bit, and then go to the Silver Slipper, although if we decided we wanted to wait an extra week, we could.”

Stablemate Outspan is slated for the Pierro Plate (1100m) next Saturday at Randwick, with the Bivouac colt pleasing the yard since his Rosehill win.

“He will be here next Saturday, that’s the plan,” Freedman said. “I’m very happy with him. He did a nice bit of work (Saturday) morning, and he will have a gallop on Tuesday.”