Awesome Rock to step out in jump-out
Group One winner Awesome Rock will ramp up preparations for his return to racing in a jump-out at Flemington this week.
Co-trainer Leon Corstens said Awesome Rock, winner of the $2 million Emirates Stakes (2000m) in November, was scheduled to have a jump-out at Flemington on Friday.
“I’m pleased with him and he is going to have a trial on Friday,” Corstens said.
“He’s coming to hand nicely.”
The Group One C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next month is scheduled as the entire’s first-up run on a path to the Australian Cup and a possible trip to Dubai for the Dubai Turf.
At Flemington on Saturday, the Leon and Troy Corstens team has Zebrinz entered to make his return in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes.
Corstens is planning to start Zebrinz’s campaign in the 1400m race if the gelding pleases him when he watches him work on Thursday.
“I’ll make a final decision whether he runs or not when I see him work on Thursday morning,” Corstens said.
“We’ll definitely accept with him and see how he draws. But I’m pleased with him and think he’s going nicely.
“He’s had a couple of trials and I was very pleased with him.
“If he pulls up well on Thursday morning I’d definitely run him.”
Zebrinz, who hasn’t raced since late July, would be chasing his first win since November 2015 but the six-year-old has netted $400,000 prize money from his 30 career starts.
The Chester Manifold Stakes has attracted 13 nominations with two Darren Weir-trained gallopers the highest rated entries.
Weir has nominated Kenjorwood and Tonapah, although last-start Lord Stakes winner Kenjorwood is expected to head to the Gold Coast to run in the $1 million Magic Millions Cup on Saturday.
Michael Dee has been called on to ride Divine Mr Artie who finished fifth as favourite in the Standish Handicap last start.
Craig Williams has ridden Divine Mr Artie in his two starts this preparation but Williams and a number of other Melbourne-based riders will be competing at the Gold Coast on Saturday.