A different race shape is the main query co-trainer Sterling Alexiou has over whether Jacob’s Time can back up an eye-catching return when he steps up in trip at Kensington on Wednesday.
Trainer Sterling Alexiou (Pic: Grant Guy)
The lightly raced three-year-old is a horse Alexiou and Gerald Ryan believe could find himself in stakes company later in the autumn and how he performs in the Yarraman Park Handicap (1550m) will be a pointer.
Jacob’s Time clocked easily the fastest last 600m (35.11, Punter’s Intelligence) as he charged into fourth beaten 1-1/4 lengths by Cadetship at Rosehill two weeks ago.
“It was a good return for him, he probably needed a hit out so he’s taken good benefit from a fast run gallop,’’ Alexiou said.
“He drew sticky the other day and had to go back in that really fast run race but he was strong to the line and we were impressed with what we saw.
“The only question mark is you go from a big field, fast run race, to drawing six of nine in what looks a pretty steady run race stepping up in trip.
“They probably look polar opposite maps on paper. We’re just happy with how he’s returned and how he’s progressing this preparation.”
At his second race start, Jacob’s Time was able to sit handy and win a Super Maiden over 1600m on Boxing Day and Alexiou said if there’s little pace he may be asked to put himself in the race.
That tactic at start two was on the back of a lucklustre trial but he appears a different horse this time around.
“We were really happy with how he trialled up this time in, a lot sharper than he normally is,’’ he said.
“You’ve got to keep his mind on the job otherwise he tends to have a bit of a bludge.”
Alexiou said take no notice of the fact Jacob’s Time was nominated for the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill this Saturday, as it was a back up plan given a large number of entries for the midweek event.
However, he strikes the stable as a type who could step up to the mark as the distances increase.
“He’s possibly a horse we could get out to a Frank Packer Plate if he keeps improving, or we could get a couple under his belt and if he’s going to run a mile and a half look at a Queensland Derby,’’ Alexiou said.
“We’re still feeling our way a bit but I think he’s a hose that’s going to run a pretty solid 2000m, whether he gets beyond that you don’t know until you try them.”
Meanwhile, smart filly Arctic Glamour will be out turn around her form when she heads into Friday’s Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m).
Although Alexiou said the stable was let down by her failure when 10th in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) he can be a little forgiving considering how the track was playing on the day.
“She’s been running her race in patches. I was disappointed with her last furlong,’’ he said.
“Happy with how she’s going at home and can’t really fault her but I’d like to see marked improvement stepping to 1600m.
“We’re hanging our hat on that she’s starting to look for a bit of a trip now.”
– Racing NSW
