Cardinal Gem does not have a lot in his favour ahead of the Anniversary Vase at Sandown.
A galloper that has shown a liking for galloping room in his races, Cardinal Gem has drawn barrier one in the 1400m Listed race on Saturday.
And Cardinal Gem faces a significant weight rise following his win in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap over the same course and distance as Saturday’s race on April 8.
The weight rise of 6kg did surprise trainer Grahame Begg, and while barrier one may not be ideal, he said there should be enough speed to break up the field.
“Barrier one is probably not the greatest gate for him but I’m sure there will be good speed in the race,” Begg said.
“I think they’ll run along with the likes of Buffalo River and Lady Of Honour.
“He’s gone up sharply in the weights. He’s gone from the minimum to the topweight – 54 kilos up to 60 and that surprised us.
“We thought he might get around the 56.5 kilos mark, but they didn’t get a high enough rated horse in the race, and as he was the equal highest rated it has made him equal topweight.
“So, he’s certainly gone up sharply in the handicap, but I can’t fault the horse.
“He’s trained on really well.”
After Saturday’s outing, Begg is planning to head to the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on May 20 followed by the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 10.
Begg has booked stabling at the Gold Coast for Cardinal Gem and stablemate Nonconformist with plans to fly to Queensland in the week leading into the BRC Sprint.
“I’ve just got to make sure the flights are all organised,” Begg said.
Nonconformist had a luckless run in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) last Saturday, finishing fourth behind Right You Are, but remains is on track for the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 20.
“He’s had an easy week over at an equestrian place doing some light work and has been out in the paddock of the day,” Begg said.
“He’s been very lucky that he’s had some good weather this week.”