In-form Our Sarastro primed for Gunnedah Gold Cup assault
OUR Sarastro will be out to continue his solid run of form this prep when he heads to Gunnedah on Sunday to contest the $30,000 Gunnedah Gold Cup (1600m).
The Connie Greig-trained galloper has had three runs since resuming from a spell, including a win at Dubbo (1300m) two starts back, followed by a narrow second over the mile in the Parkes Cup last weekend.
Greig says she is pleased with her consistent performer, a winner of seven from 44, leading into the race, and isn’t concerned about the seven-day backup.
“I am very happy with him – first up over 1000m was too short and then he went to Dubbo and won over 1300m before going down narrowly last weekend at Parkes,” Greig told Horse Betting.
“He was supposed to run the week before [the Parkes Cup] at Scone, but he drew barrier 18 of 18 so I opted to give him a barrier trial instead leading into the run at Parkes.
“The week turnaround won’t be a problem this Sunday – he doesn’t have an issue backing up… he is a very easy horse to do anything with… I wish they were all like him.”
The six-year-old gelding is expected to dictate the speed once again on Sunday, with Greig optimistic that he will be strong enough to hold on with some hard fitness runs under his belt.
“He has drawn a little bit wide this week – but he should come in a bit if there are no scratchings, which will suit – and I expect him to go straight to the front,” she said.
“I haven’t done anything with him this week – he is fit and feeling good – it’s just a matter of keeping him happy now and getting him there on Sunday.
“The mile is his preferred trip, so I expect him to race well. He should jump to the lead and hopefully he is good enough to hang on.”
Regular hoop Chris Williams won’t be taking the ride this Sunday, however it may be a blessing in disguise with apprentice jockey Jean Van Overmeire able to claim 2kg off the 57.5kg he was assigned by the handicapper.
“Chris Williams always rides him but he is the best man for one of his mates this weekend otherwise he would be on him,” Greig said.
“It’s one of those things that can’t be helped – but Jean [Van Overmeire] will take the ride on him this week.
“It’s always a slight worry when a jockey is riding a horse for the first time – but he is an easy horse to ride because of his racing style.
“He is not a very big horse either so we can take a couple of kilos off this week with the claim which helps – being a frontrunner I figured we may as well put a kid on him and hopefully take advantage of the lighter weight.
“He has been racing up in weights so he will notice the difference with 55.5kg which he hasn’t carried in a while.”
With a dozen horses in work, Dubbo-based Greig says a victory in Sunday’s feature would be a massive thrill with the gelding considered a ‘bargain buy’.
Bought for $5,000 from a tried horse sale, the son of Sharmardal and Song Of Destiny has been a nice pickup for his owners, the Jones Partnership Syndicate, with career earnings now in excess of $165,000.
“When you get to this level of racing anyone can win – but he is fit and feeling well so hopefully he is good enough to get the job done.
“The one thing I can guarantee is that he will be giving it his all – he gives 100 per cent every time he goes around.
“Fingers crossed his best is enough to get him across the line first.”
The Gunnedah Gold Cup is race seven this Sunday and is set to jump at 3.57pm.