Linebacker primed for Alan Brown Stakes challenge

Despite perhaps being best known for a surprise barrier trial victory over the formidable sprinter Ka Ying Rising, Linebacker appears well-positioned to return to the winner's circle at Rosehill.

The gelding has experienced early market support, moving from $11 to $6 for Saturday's Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. This event represents his chance to capture his first win since prevailing in last year's Silver Eagle (1300m).

His preparation leading into that win was similar, having unexpectedly relegated Ka Ying Rising to third place in a 1000m trial at Randwick just 11 days beforehand. Linebacker is set to enter Saturday's contest with the same 11-day gap following another impressive trial performance. Although he hasn't tasted victory for close to a year, the five-year-old has consistently been competitive in strong form races.

"His first-up run last time in the Canterbury Stakes, he got beaten a length-and-a-half in what turned out to be a good form race. As was the George Ryder (Stakes)," co-trainer Tom Charlton explained. "He gets in with 55-1/2 (kilos), so he's well weighted against some of those top performers on his best form. And his run the other day, he couldn't have done any more. It was a sit and sprint. I think he was the only horse to break 33 (seconds) home, and he can't go much quicker than that."

Linebacker will be second-up at Rosehill, coming off a fourth-place finish behind fellow Alan Brown Stakes contender General Salute in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).

He boasts a stakes win over the same course and distance as Saturday's race. His top-level success came as a three-year-old when he defeated Broadsiding in the 2025 Randwick Guineas (1600m).

The Alan Brown Stakes, now a black-type event for the first time this year, has attracted a formidable lineup, with Linebacker being one of five Group 1 winners in the $1.5 million feature.

"It's an incredible field and if it was a Group One, you wouldn't be saying that's wrong," Charlton remarked. "It's a very hot race but if he can get a few things go his way, it wouldn't surprise us (if he won)."

The ride on Linebacker, who will start from barrier eight following three scratchings, has been taken by Zac Lloyd.

Considering the competitive nature of this race, why not explore the best online bookmakers for racing betting markets? Check out online bookmakers for your wagers.