Gavin Bedggood well-positioned for Heatherlie Stakes
Trainer Gavin Bedggood from Cranbourne appears to have all bases covered regarding track conditions for his two contenders in the upcoming Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield.
The Listed 1700-metre handicap on Saturday will feature Kingswood, who is first-up, and the race-fit Just Folk.
Bedggood expressed a preference for drier ground for Kingswood, whereas Just Folk would benefit from more rain-affected going.
The Caulfield track was rated heavy on Thursday.
With a number of horses in Saturday's field either resuming from a break or early in their preparation, Bedggood is pinning his hopes on Just Folk's established race fitness.
"I remember Dean Lester telling me, eight or nine years ago, the Heatherlie was a race that is won by the horse that's come through winter, fit, and puts itself up on speed," Bedggood shared.
"I would think that is his sort of race to be winning."
"It's the Caulfield Cup kick-off point for a lot of horses, and hopefully, he can be Johnny on the spot."
Just Folk is set to run for the sixth time this campaign, most recently finishing third in a benchmark 100 event over 1600 metres at Caulfield on August 15.
He carries 3kg less than in that race and will be ridden by Blake Shinn.
If plans align, Bedggood is considering a New Zealand campaign for Just Folk, mirroring the approach taken last year with Kingswood, who achieved a win and Group 1 placings in three starts earlier in the year.
"We threw in a nomination over there," Bedggood said about Just Folk.
"If it was really wet, testing ground, it would be something I would consider."
Kingswood has been sidelined since a fifth-place finish in New Zealand in March, but Bedggood indicated the gelding has been ready to race for a fortnight.
"He's flying and going as well as I've had him go," Bedggood commented.
"His first-up run will determine where we go after that."
"He could go to the Naturalism or the Underwood. His first-up run will determine whether we can go down that weight-for-age path, or the handicap route, and ideally, you would love to see him in the Caulfield Cup fourth-up if he's going well enough."
Consider exploring the latest racing odds available at online bookmakers for the Heatherlie Stakes.
More Racing News
Althoff's spring campaign plans are flexible
In-form gelding Althoff is currently positioned as the fourth favourite in early markets for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, though his connections are still assessing his suitability as a genuine miler.The five-year-old, owned by the Yulong family and a winner up to 1400m, recorded a fifth-place finish in the 2024...
Tom Kitten set for second Memsie Stakes attempt
The Anthony and Sam Freedman stable is targeting a better outcome for Tom Kitten in the upcoming Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.A year ago, Tom Kitten was a late withdrawal from the Group 1 race over 1400 metres after becoming unsettled in the barriers.This incident impacted Tom Kitten's spring campaign, with...
Tulloch Lodge fields trio of emerging three-year-olds
Tulloch Lodge is poised to present the top two selections in the preliminary markets for the Up And Coming Stakes, and they present contrasting racing profiles.Plagiarism, a seasoned three-year-old, has completed five starts, whereas the untested Savagram made his initial appearance earlier this month, achieving a commanding victory from start...
Team Hawkes confident in San Domenico Stakes newcomer
Wild Atlantic is preparing to make his debut in the San Domenico Stakes, aiming to mirror the achievement of his sire, Exceedance.Exceedance captured the sprint race in 2019 during his third career start for Team Hawkes. If Wild Atlantic can emulate this feat, a path towards the Group 1 Golden...
Promising colt Tenenbaum on track for spring targets
A promising three-year-old colt named Tenenbaum has earned the right to be considered for more ambitious races this spring after demonstrating his class in the initial event at Canterbury.As a full brother to the 2025 Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat, the Snitzel colt is unlikely to be extended to...
Webster finds the short sprint distance ideal for Runaround Sue
Races contested over such brief distances as 800 metres are uncommon in many racing jurisdictions. However, Ipswich consistently offers opportunities over the sprint distance, which trainers like Pat Webster are adept at leveraging.The experienced trainer has entered two horses for the Barrier Reef Pools Benchmark 65 Handicap on Thursday, with...
Custom gets extra time ahead of Courtza Stakes challenge
The unpredictability of racing was certainly evident for those who backed Custom in her last start.Godolphin's four-year-old mare, prepared by Ciaron Maher, was the short-priced favourite at Caulfield Heath for her most recent run on August 8.This strong market support followed an impressive three-length win at Caulfield over 1200 metres...
Cafe Millenium's return at Caulfield
An indication of Cafe Millenium's potential will be provided to the Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will and J D Hayes via an earlier race on Saturday's Caulfield card.Cafe Millenium is scheduled to compete first-up in the Evergreen Turf Handicap (1400m), two races prior to the anticipated return of Mr...
Stabemates commence campaign in Memsie Stakes
The stable of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr could have chosen the seemingly easier path for two of their returning gallopers at Caulfield.The Evergreen Turf Handicap, run over 1400 metres at Caulfield on Saturday at benchmark 100 level, might have presented an ideal starting point for Sabaj and Planet...
Diameter eyeing Up And Coming Stakes return
With promising colt Central Europe to be kept for another day, Group One placed stablemate Diameter is set to headline Chris Waller's contingent for the three-year-old features at Rosehill.Part-owned by Coolmore, Central Europe holds nominations for the Golden Rose and Cox Plate but isn't among acceptances for Saturday's San Domenico...