Palazzo a definite June Stakes runner
Trainer Matthew Smith may have taken the conservative option with Palazzo Pubblico but her June Stakes barrier is definitely left wing.
The mare has drawn 18 of 19 in Saturday’s Listed 1100m-sprint at Randwick with the field to be reduced by at least five with a maximum of 14 to run.
The winner of her past two starts, including the Listed Bright Shadow Stakes at Doomben, Palazzo Pubblico was also entered for the Group Two Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
But with Warwick Farm hit by the recent floods in Sydney, trackwork was thrown into chaos earlier this week and many horses were unable to have their usual fast gallops.
“We’ve decided to take the conservative option and race in Sydney in the June Stakes,” Smith said.
“She could be vulnerable coming back to 1100 metres but with the heavy rain it has been hard.
“I want to look after her and do what’s best.
“That doesn’t mean she won’t go back to Brisbane for the Tatt’s Tiara two weeks later.
“It’s not set in stone but we will certainly look at the race.
“She is in great shape.”
Smith said he hoped the barrier would not play too much of a part in her chances but said she would not push forward early from the wide gate.
The Gerry Harvey-owned Palazzo Pubblico will be ridden by Peter Wells who will be instructed not to rush her.
She is a $15 chance in the TAB’s early market which has the fourth emergency Spieth as the $2.50 favourite.
The Bryce Heys-trained colt’s chances of making the field have improved slightly with the early scratching of the James Cummings-trained Sultry Feeling.
Spieth is an acceptor in two other races but is also fourth emergency in a 1200m-race and only guaranteed a start in a benchmark race for three-year-olds.