Colt might not be in star class yet: agent
THE indicators surrounding Sydney raider Commissioner are ominous but bloodstock agent James Harron is warning punters to tread warily when the horse has his first start at Doomben tomorrow.
Commissioner races in Harron’s familiar green and tan colours, is trained by Team Snowden and the plan is to use tomorrow’s Phelan Ready Stakes as a springboard into the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) on January 13.
However, unlike his illustrious Magic Millions and Golden Slipper-winning stablemate Capitalist, Commissioner comes to Queensland unraced and Harron has some concerns about the Stratum colt’s lack of race experience.
“He’s obviously a Magic Millions horse and this race has always really been about getting enough prizemoney to get him into the Millions next month,” Harron said.
“I am not comparing him to Capitalist, but Commissioner is a nice quality young horse in his own right and he has done everything right through the preparation and shown us nice ability at home. He worked well before he left and has arrived up there in good shape and we are confident he will be very competitive.”
A $275,000 yearling, Commissioner will be ridden by Team Snowden’s Brisbane go-to man Damian Browne and UBET bookmakers have installed the horse on the third line of betting at $3.20 behind unbeaten South Australian visitor Crockett ($2.80 favourite) and local gelding Eff Troop ($2.90).
While Commissioner will face just four rivals, a capacity field of 16 fillies line up in the Calaway Gal Stakes, with Kelso Wood’s Veranes, the John Zielke-trained Rosa’s Charm and Sydney filly Granny Red Shoes all needing a share of the $100,000 prizemoney to confirm their place in the Magic Millions field.
INTERLOCUTER RANDWICK
Race 7
$3.10
No.8
One of tomorrow’s highlights is the Group 2 Villiers over the Randwick metric mile with a strong field to go around. This one’s been nothing other than impressive basically winning all four starts this prep (lost the first on protest). Back in trip, freshened up expect him to be charging to the line.