Dual Group 1 winner Epaulette will kick off his Spring Racing Carnival campaign on Friday night in the Group 1 Programmed Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Darley head trainer Peter Snowden said the four-year-old went “excellent” in a gallop at Moonee Valley earlier on Tuesday morning and is confident that he’s ready to go to the races.
“He looks in great order, he’s very forward because he’s done a lot of work and he’s a very good fresh horse,” Snowden said.
“He handled the track really well so I’m quietly confident he’ll run well.
“If he handles Moonee Valley well I’ll bring him back for the Manikato (October 25), if he doesn’t the other option is probably the Patinack at Flemington (November 9).”
Runner-up behind the unbeaten champion Black Caviar in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) in Sydney during the autumn, Snowden said it was easy to forget the son of Commands’ record amongst a stellar cop of three-year-olds.
Click here to watch a full replay of the 2013 T.J. Smith Stakes
“He’s always been a good horse and you forget what he’s done because he’s a two-time Group 1 winner, he’s run second to Black Caviar and he’s only raced in the best company.”
Darley will also be represented on Friday night by three-year-old filly Metastasio in the Group 3 Gallagher Bassett Champagne Stakes (1200m), as well as AAMI Victoria Derby-aspirant San Diego in the Group 2 City Jeep Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m).
A fast-finishing third behind stable mate Long John in the Henry Bucks Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last start, Snowden warned the son of Exceed And Excel may not be quite as sharp second up.
“His first-up run was great and he may not sprint as well second-up because he’s a very dour horse,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get him to 2000 metres whether that is here in the (AAMI) Vase or at Caulfield (in the Norman Robinson Stakes).”
Snowden said current $4 TAB fixed odds BECK Caulfield Guineas favourite Long John would have his final Guineas lead up in the Group 3 BECK Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on Sunday.
“It’s a good test for him because he’ll meet some better class horses,” Snowden said.
“You can’t fault his form and seeing Gai’s (Waterhouse) horse that won on Saturday (Rockford) frank the run in the Henry Bucks was good to see.
“I probably underrate him a little bit because he works nicely but he doesn’t work like a Group horse but he certainly races like one.
“At this stage the Guineas is all I’m focused on with him and what we do from there depends on the horse.”
– Racing Victoria
