The Quarterback to run in William Reid
The Quarterback is likely to have his next Group One start at Moonee Valley despite his trainer’s fears he may not be suited by the track.
The gelding, who gave Robbie Griffiths his first Group One success in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 12, will be among nominations for the William Reid Stakes on Thursday night.
Griffiths says he is not certain the tight Moonee Valley track will suit The Quarterback but it is still likely to be an easier option than taking him to Sydney for the TJ Smith.
The Quarterback can reel off some exceptionally quick 600m sectional times, especially on the straight track at Flemington.
“I don’t particularly like him at the Valley but with everyone going to Sydney we will look at the William Reid,” Griffiths said.
“We will nominate and just see what’s in it.”
Griffiths said The Quarterback had come through his Newmarket Handicap win in brilliant order and he was planning more Group One assaults with the gelding.
And while the prize money in Sydney is appealing, Griffiths says he’s more likely to head to Adelaide for The Goodwood in May.
“We’re a little bit scared of going to Sydney and changing too many things with him,” Griffiths said.
“He’s never been that direction and he’s not a horse that I gallop a lot, so I’m not happy doing a lot of galloping work that way with him.
“We also lose that six kilo weight advantage in the TJ Smith, so we might duck and dive Chautauqua.
“We beat him in a handicap, not at weight-for-age.”
Chautauqua, third in the Newmarket as the beaten favourite, is the second elect for the TJ Smith on April 2 with three-year-old Exosphere heading the markets.