Warrnambool sprinter Ashford Street is set to have his first start for the in-form Tom Dabernig stable at Caulfield.
While Dabernig did not prepare one of the major race winners over the three days of the Warrnambool May Carnival, he came away with three winners and will be looking to build on that record with Ashford Street in the BlueBlood Thoroughbreds Handicap (1000m) on Saturday.
Ashford Street started his career with fellow Warrnambool conditioner Simon Ryan before transferring into the care of Ken Elford but has been with Dabernig this preparation.
Dabernig explained Ashford Street came to his stable as one of his stable employees is the grandson of one of the owners.
“They thought he might be suited in a stable with numbers where he can consistently work with horses,” Dabernig said.
“And I think they like the idea that Wil can see how we bring him along and get him ready to race.”
Dabernig said the original plan had been to have Ashford Street up and firing earlier, and potentially target the Listed Wangoom Handicap on day two of the Carnival, but instead decided to hold off.
Dabernig said that may lead to Ashford Street having a fitness edge for races like the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes and the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield in July.
“We saw this and he’s a pretty good 1000-metre horse,” Dabernig said.
“So, we’ll kick him off here and we thought in July, at the backend of winter a couple of those sprints at Caulfield might suit him before the spring horses really crank up.
“I think he’s a talented horse. He’s a big powerhouse that is lovely and sound.
“He’s got a rating that is awkward for him, in the high 90’s, and you’re forced to run him in reasonable races every time he goes around.
“We gave him a trial and he’s galloped well since and my gut feel is he could have a good prep.”