Trainer Kim Waugh is confident that veteran gelding Shiraz will relish a step up in distance when he steps out for the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Shiraz will enjoy a step up to 1400m on Saturday’s Carrington Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart
Shiraz has been a strong and largely consistent performer throughout his entire racing career so far, but has so-far been unable to make anything of three starts this preparation; finishing tenth in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) before finishing a lacklustre fifth and ninth in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) and Listed Canterbury Classic (1200m) respectively.
Waugh conceded that on his recent performances, Shiraz faces a big task in overcoming the talented Carrington Stakes field, but the Wyong trainer has been thrilled with his work in recent weeks and believes he will enjoy a step up to 1400m.
âHeâs a lovely horse and obviously has a lot of ability,â Waugh told Racing Ahead.
âHis last couple of runs weâve been having a talk with the owners and I really think heâs looking for 1400m. Heâs getting a little bit older and after last start, I thought that we really need to try him at the 1400m.
âI know that he is known as a really good sprinter but heâs just showing signs he wants to get out to 1400m, so Iâm really looking forward to tomorrow with him.
âHis work in the last couple of weeks has been very good, so I think heâll be a good price and I think heâll go really well.â
Shiraz began his racing career under the guidance of Peter Nestor in 2012, but undoubtedly built in class and ability through a number of impressive preparations for Tony McEvoy.
Resuming in 2016 for fourth in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m), the Zariz gelding flew home late to finish a close second behind Griante in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m), but was returned to the paddock after failing to fire and tenth in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).
Allocated the outside barrier 7, Shiraz will carry 57kgs in the Carrington Stakes and will be partnered by Tye Angland.
Leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2017 Carrington Stakes odds, for which Shiraz can be taken at a generous quote of $11 for success or $4.90 to finish in the minors.