Niccanova stays put
But Tregea will not be with him for Epsom tilt
CORONAVIRUS protocols were central to the decision to move Niccanova to Randwick trainer Craig Carmody stable while the talented Queenslander prepares for an Epsom Handicap tilt.
Toowoomba trainer Steve Tregea confirmed his decision to shift his stable star, which he also owns, to Carmody as border protocols would make it difficult for him prepare the son of Nicconi for his Group I assault.
“I couldn’t be there and I would have to quarantine when I come back so I couldn’t do that,” Tregea said.
“He has to be there for a period of time so that it would be better to transfer him to Craig.
“He’s there, he’s on the spot and knows what is going on.”
Niccanova remained in Sydney after finishing a credible sixth to Verry Elleegant in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at his last start at Randwick on August 22.
“The Winx Stakes run was good,” Tregea said. “He just got caught up at the wrong time but he was strong on the line so it is was an encouraging run and there is no reason not to push on.”
Tregea said the sevenyear-old would have his next start in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on September 19 or the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on September 26.
The Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) on October 3 at Randwick was his main target.
Niccanova, a $17 chance in Ladbrokes’ Epsom market, will be ridden by Regan Bayliss in the $1 million feature.
Fellow Queenslander The Candy Man, an Eagle Farm winner on Saturday, was set to join the NSW stable of John, Wayne and Michael Hawkes but will instead be trained by Peter and Paul Snowden.