James McDonald acknowledges the enormity of the task, but believes Contributer can overcome it in (Saturday)’s Emirates Stakes at Flemington.
The Godolphin horse drops back from the David Jones Cup (2000 m) to the Emirates Stakes (1600 m) and rises from Group 3 to Group 1 company.
McDonald admits what confronts Contributer is a “query”, but, believes the John O’Shea-trained horse has the ability to adapt.
“He showed an explosive turn of foot last start,” McDonald said.
“He could not have been more impressive at Caulfield, he surprised us just how well he went.
“He put a reasonably good field away within two strides. He was left in front 300 metres from home and he just idled.
“He could have won by three, four, five lengths.”
McDonald noted that Contributer will have benefited from his first start in Australia and has untapped upside heading forward.
“I’m really looking forward to riding him,” he said.
After winning in the Listed Wolferton Handicap (2000 m) at Royal Ascot for Ed Dunlop, Godolphin purchased the five-year-old son of High Chaparral and sent him to O’Shea.
He made his debut for O’Shea in the David Jones Cup where he was unextended to win by one length.
Contributer is a solid $5 favourite in the latest market.
Racing Network
