Farnan has Gai eyeing record
GAI Waterhouse has compared Farnan favourably with her previous Golden Slipper-winning colts in the build-up to the world’s richest juvenile race at Rosehill on Saturday.
Waterhouse, chasing a record seventh win in the Golden Slipper, said Farnan had similar traits to her former champion two-year-olds Sebring (2008), Pierro (2012) and Vancouver (2015).
“With Pierro, Sebring, Vancouver and now Farnan, they all have very different personalities but they have some things in common,’’ Waterhouse said.
“Each colt was very athletic, had a great aptitude for work and a lovely cruising speed and Farnan has these qualities in abundance.
“They were all dominant two-year-olds and that is what Farnan has done this season.
“He won in the spring, he had his trip away to the Gold Coast which was the making of him, and he has won the two major lead-up races.’’
Farnan earnt favouritism for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) after he romped away with the Silver Slipper and Todman Stakes.
However after Farnan drew wide in barrier 14, he eased in Ladbrokes betting out to $5.50 and was usurped as race favourite by Blue Diamond winner Tagaloa ($5).
Waterhouse isn’t concerned by the barrier draw, maintaining Farnan has the tactical speed to overcome the gate, while pointing out Vancouver came from the extreme outside of the field in barrier 16 when he won the race five years ago.
Racing’s first lady, who has also won the Golden Slipper with fillies Ha Ha (2001) and Overreach (2013), and with the Triple Crownwinning gelding Dance Hero (2004), shares the Golden Slipper training record with her late father Tommy Smith.
Farnan can provide Waterhouse with the Golden Slipper training record and her first since forming a training partnership with Adrian Bott.
Trent Busuttin, co-trainer with Natalie Young of Blue Diamond winner Tagaloa, said he would be instructing jockey Michael Walker to try to take full advantage of his colt’s favourable draw in barrier six.