Crunch time for Gingernuts in $2m race

Folkswood the favourite in Emirates but bookies are taking no chances

Co-trainer Steve Autridge knew it was the time of reckoning when he stood at the microphone at Flemington yesterday for the A$2 million Emirates Stakes press conference.

His charge Gingernuts had passed his first Australian exam in winning the autumn’s Rosehill Guineas, but this was different. Three-year-olds winning against their own age at Group 1 level is one thing, Group 1 weight-for-age in the spring in Melbourne another.

This is the big time. Gingernuts is already the winner of $1.3m, but the top five in the Emirates have won more, the top two three times that. Happy Clapper has banked $3.5m and It’s Somewhat $3.4m.

But Autridge is not phased. He’s a Group 1 winner himself and knows what he and the horse that has introduced a large number of syndicate owners to unimagined thrills are up for just before 7pm (NZT) today.

It didn’t start well. Gingernuts took three to four days to settle into his Melbourne surroundings.

“He’s fine now though,” Autridge told the Herald after the press conference.

“Hugh Bowman came into Flemington and galloped him on Tuesday and was happy.”

That was the second issue that went astray — Bowman got himself suspended at the start of the carnival and has had to be replaced by Michael Dee, former New Zealand apprentice who has rapidly risen to the top since relocating to Melbourne.

“We don’t lose too much having Michael on board,” said Autridge. “He can use the whip in both hands and he’s a natural left-handed whip rider, which we think will suit Gingernuts.”

Dee’s naturally quiet personality and schooling from master trainer Mick Price has allowed him to become a great follower of riding instructions.

That will be important because tactics will play a big part with Gingernuts starting from the awkward 12 barrier in the 15-horse field.

“We’ll be looking to get cover somewhere,” says Autridge. “If he can land mid-field with cover we ll be very happy.”

Gingernuts won the Rosehill Guineas in Sydney in a bog. Today’s footing will be at the opposite range to that, but Autridge is unconcerned. Opie Bosson won’t be riding Gingernuts in the Emirates Stakes at Flemington today.

The fact stable rider Opie Bosson chose to ride Embellish at Riccarton instead of Gingernuts in Melbourne should be the 2000 Guineas tip you need.

$5.50 second favourite behind $4.80 favourite Folkswood. The job became a little easier when in-form Tom Melbourne was withdrawn yesterday afternoon.

The $1m Darley Classic is an interesting race. Plenty of class engaged, but the value runner could be Redkirk Warrior, unbeaten in two starts down the Flemington straight 1200m. He was not sighted around the bends in the Everest in Sydney, but this is more his race. He has drawn three, which almost certainly means he will be committed to the inside rail if the field splits apart.

Unless that part of the track is significantly slower than the outside lane he should be right in the fight.

Loads of talent — Chautauqua (No1), Redzel (No2), Vega Magic

King Kane – Riccarton (race six) (Deals In Heels – 1st)