Preusker Looks To Outfox Rivals In Guineas
Paul Preusker is hoping a belated decision to scratch Lunar Fox from an 1800 metre handicap could result in a Caulfield Guineas win.
Lunar Fox is aimed at the Victoria Derby and Preusker was thinking that the Flemington race last Saturday was the best path to take towards that race.
Lunar Fox’s sharp track work though caused Preusker to deviate from that path and he changed tack to the Group One race on Saturday.
“He’s got the freshness in his legs to be ready for a mile and then he can go to the Derby,” Preusker said.
Lunar Fox hasn’t started since he finished fourth in the Stutt Stakes behind Glenfiddich on September 25.
“I probably dug a bit deep with him when we went to the Valley and he was a bit tired after,” he said.
Preusker said from barrier four in the Caulfield Guineas, Lunar Fox would be well positioned and put himself in the race.
“Whether he’s got the turn of foot to match it with the better ones I’m not sure,” he said.
Preusker is thankful he has the services of world-class jockey Brett Prebble to ride Lunar Fox.
“He’s keen and he’s been coming here to Horsham riding a bit of work,” he said .
“On the first morning he rode ten horses, the second time around he rode 15 and last time it was 16 or 17 horses.”
Preusker said Surprise Baby had pulled up well after his ninth in the Turnbull Stakes and would have his next start in the Melbourne Cup.
“He came through 100 per cent. I couldn’t be happier with him and he’s in the right spot. He doesn’t need another run,” he said.
Preusker will also try and get Admire Robson into the Melbourne Cup by trying to win the Hotham Handicap, the race which carries a golden ticket into Australia’s most famous race.
He said he was pleased with his seventh in The Bart Cummings when he finished off strongly.