Golden Slipper contender possibly emerging from Pierro Plate

With the Golden Slipper only five weeks distant, no juvenile has yet positioned itself as the outright leader for the marquee contest.

Co-favourite Warwoven has not appeared since vets from Queensland Racing sidelined him for lameness just prior to last month's Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast, Breeders' Plate standout Incognito dropped his first-up bid after displacing his palate, while Hidrix, that race's victor, requires another sharp debut effort to bolster his Slipper credentials.

Having captured the Golden Slipper last year courtesy of Marhoona, trainer Michael Freedman acknowledges the absence of a definitive favourite this time around, but eyes recent victor Outspan as a potential riser post the upcoming Pierro Plate (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday.

"There is no clear, dominant pick for the Slipper at this stage. It's wide open, a little bit like last year," Freedman said.

"He's obviously going to have to put his hand up, but I'm happy with how he's going."

Twelve young horses are set to face the starter in the Pierro Plate, merely three of whom have prior-to-Christmas experience.

Such delays are increasingly typical, a shift evident in the Golden Slipper's winner list.

In the past decade, six winners raced before Christmas, but recently that has reversed, with three of five latest champions debuting post-New Year.

Marhoona and 2021's Stay Inside, both under Freedman's care, exemplify this.

"I think that's going to be more the norm going forward," Freedman said.

"Trainers are holding their horses back a bit longer. My two Slipper winners, neither of them started until the New Year, and I think that will become more common than not."

Outspan launched his campaign in January via a strong-finishing fifth behind Knightsbridge at 1000m in Randwick, followed by maiden-breaking success at Rosehill a fortnight hence.

This blueprint matches Stay Inside's path, triumphing on debut in January before the Pierro Plate and ultimate Slipper triumph. Explore the online bookmakers ahead of the Pierro Plate.

The post Will Pierro Plate serve up another Golden Slipper contender? first appeared on Just Horse Racing.