Fresh Linebacker targets Scone's Luskin Star Stakes
This weekend, trainer Tom Charlton intends to dispatch two standout stablemates to separate states, with Linebacker entered for the Luskin Star Stakes in Scone and emerging quick Napoleonic bound for the Group 1 Doomben 10,000.
Linebacker appears in nominations for each contest, yet Charlton leans towards Scone given that the Luskin Star Stakes extends 100m further to 1300m, aligning ideally with the horse's strengths.
"He is nominated for both, and we can think about it, but he will probably go to Scone and Napoleonic will go to Queensland," Charlton said.
"With Linebacker, 1300 is a distance he's very effective at. He will enjoy Scone and if we can get a bit of confidence in him, we can get him to the Stradbroke (Handicap)."
Linebacker, successful in the 2025 Randwick Guineas, faced premium opposition over autumn.
In his seasonal return, he trailed Joliestar by only 1-1/2 lengths during the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), tracked midfield in Autumn Glow's George Ryder Stakes (1500m), and ended a credible sixth in the Doncaster Mile (1600m).
The trainer anticipates advantages for the gelding from recent time off and a touch shorter journey in his quest for victories.
"His Canterbury Stakes run was great, and the George Ryder turned out to be a very good form race, and he wasn't too bad in hindsight," Charlton said.
"In the Doncaster, he put himself in a good position and they went very quick. He presented like he was going to be in the finish, but the pattern of that race probably played against him.
"He was the best on-speed horse, and he might appreciate a freshen up and coming back to that 1300 and 1400 metres."
After a solid effort in the Canterbury Stakes, Napoleonic was spelled and has since triumphed in a couple of recent trials.
The three-year-old, runner-up in both the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Hobartville Stakes, pursues the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) with Saturday's Doomben 10,000 (1200m) and the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight hence.
"He's still improving and developing, and his trial is indicative he has improved again," Charlton said.
"We came back this time thinking he was on a three-run Stradbroke campaign.
"James (McDonald) is riding him, so clearly he thinks he's capable of winning."
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