Super Seth on song for Doncaster
The Anthony Freedman-trained Super Seth has pleased his connections since his unplaced run in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) last month and the stable is confident he is back to his best for Saturday’s Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick. “I thought he went okay (in the George Ryder), he got back behind Te Akau Shark and was left flat-footed when they sprinted,” Freedman’s Racing Manager Brad Taylor said.
“Looking back on the replay, in the last 100m he was actually working to the line quite nicely and Mark Zahra (jockey) was of the opinion that there should be no hesitation about going to the Doncaster. “With the big field they should go along a bit quicker and if he can draw a better barrier, which he has (2), he will be able to get a position a whole lot closer and get a softer run throughout.”
Super Seth, who will be ridden by apprentice jockey Robbie Dolan with regular rider Zahra restricted to Melbourne, has impressed Freedman’s Sydney-based team this week and they expect a bold showing from the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner. “We know what he can do. He has got a devastating turn of foot when he is at his best and we believe he is back to his best,” Taylor said. “The team up in Sydney have sent through photos this week and he just looks fantastic. He has just continued to improve as we get further into the preparation.”
While Taylor is unfazed about the wet weather forecast, he is a bit apprehensive about the weight disparity with a number of Super Seth’s rivals. “From that barrier (2) he is going to get a nice, soft run,” Taylor said. “Hopefully he will get a bit of clear room. The wet track should be no issue with him. “But he is poorly weighted. A horse like Brandenburg gets in with 50.5kg and he has got 55kg, being a Group 1 winner. That’s the only question mark. “But he is a very talented horse and I am sure there will be plenty of Kiwis cheering him home with him going over there to stand at stud after he has finished racing.”
Super Seth is owned by a number of high-profile New Zealand owners, including Waikato Stud, where Super Seth will ultimately retire to stud.