I’m Wesley SA-bound

QUALITY Tasmanian sprinter I’m Wesley will expand his interstate campaign to South Australia in early May when he will contest the $120,000 Group 3 McKay Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville.

I’m Wesley made an impression at his first start interstate appearance in Victoria on March 3 when a game second to Secret Agenda in the Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, and followed up last Saturday with a game second in the $200,000 Listed Hareeba Stakes.

The gelding won six in succession in Tasmania before venturing across Bass Strait.

His trainer Mark Ganderton said the gelding is spending some quality time in the paddock before his next quest.

“I’m Wesley has come through his latest run in great order so he has been dispatched to a nice grassy paddock for a week and is back in the stable to prepare for his next assignment in South Australia,” Ganderton said.

“We were all pleased with his effort last Saturday. The rider, Linda Meech, said she probably released the brakes a bit early in the home straight that left him a bit vulnerable over the closing stages.

“But the horse did us and Tasmania proud and he has proven he has what it takes to match it with the best over sprint distances at this time of the season.”

The McKay Stakes is the traditional lead-up to the $500,000 Group 1 Goodwood Handicap at Morphettville and Ganderton confirmed that race could be I’m Wesley’s final mission this preparation.

“We go to the McKay to test the water as far as heading to the Goodwood is concerned.

“If he can finish in the first three in the McKay, then we will most likely go to the Goodwood, but it all depends on how he handles the road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide.”

The last Tasmanian galloper to tackle the Goodwood was the Barry Campbelltrained Admiral in 2016 in which he finished 11th of 18, but was only six lengths from the winner, Black Heart Bart. CONNECTIONS of Tasmanian stayer Fastnet Dragon have opted to back the gelding up in this Saturday’s Easter Cup over 2000m at Caulfield following his third-place effort in the Mornington Cup over 2400m last Saturday.

Part-owner Stephen Maskiell said the gelding had emerged from the Mornington Cup in good order, but connections will continue to monitor the horse in the days leading up to the race.

“The horse seems to have come through the race without a hitch, but we just have to keep a close watch on him up until race morning. But if he stays the same as he is now then he will run,” Maskiell said.

Before heading interstate Fastnet Dragon finished third in the Hobart Cup and he was an unlucky second to Bondeiger in the Launceston Cup.