Cult hero The Harrovian has sailed through a crucial trackwork test ahead of his return to racing in the Group One Futurity Stakes.
The Harrovian galloped on the course proper at the Gold Coast last Wednesday in the Melbourne direction, pleasing co-trainer Toby Edmonds.
“He worked very well with Grey Missile and I thought we’d get him on his reverse leg because he’s been going this way for quite a while,” Edmonds said.
“He handled that well and is in really good order.”
The Harrovian’s regular rider in Queensland, Brad Stewart will return from suspension to partner the gelding in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 20.
After the Futurity, Edmonds hopes to start The Harrovian in the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on March 13.
“Moonee Valley won’t worry him, he’ll enjoy that surface I feel,” Edmonds said.
“The quality of the race is the question. It’s going to be tough but you can’t be at home in your box and be a chance to win a purse of five million.
“We’re happy to drive on towards it and have a good crack at it.”
The Harrovian made it 11 wins in a row, and his 17th overall from only 30 starts, when he claimed the Bernborough Plate (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, the QTIS Jewel 3YO at the Gold Coast is shaping as an early autumn carnival goal for Vo Rogue Plate winner Apache Chase.
Trainer Desleigh Forster has pencilled in the March 13 race as the next feature assignment for Apache Chase.
The gelding is enjoying a short break from racing following his brave fourth to Aim in the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) on January 16.
“He’ll more than likely go fresh up into that after he has a couple of weeks out at the farm,” Forster said.
“After that we’ll look at races like the Queensland Guineas during the winter with him.”
Another trainer targeting the QTIS Jewel 3YO is Chris Munce with Boomnova, who returned to his Eagle Farm stables on Monday after a short break.
The filly won at the Gold Coast on January 9 before backing up a week later in the Magic Millions QTIS (1300m), finishing sixth to The Odyssey after drawing the extreme outside barrier in the 16-horse field.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au
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