Connoisseur steps up
TRAINER Chris Anderson will use a Gold Coast detour to experiment with Connoisseur as he looks ahead to his next preparation.
Connoisseur was nominated for Saturday’s No Metro Wins Handicap over 1000m at Eagle Farm where the fouryear-old has already secured one win since joining Anderson’s stable late last year.
But Anderson said the former Godolphin runner could reveal more about his quality and ability over the slightly increased distance of 1200m by racing in the Colts, Geldings and Entires Class 4 Plate at Aquis Park today.
“He is coming to the end of his preparation so we thought we would try him over 1200m in a set-weights race where he can claim 2kg,” he said.
Anderson bought Connoisseur for $40,000 and the gelding has already won $47,500 in four runs, including two wins over 1110m and 1000m, with his stable.
“We bought him from Godolphin from one of their dispersal sales and he has done a super job,” Anderson said.
“He has been a really good horse for the guys who have bought into him.
“He is only lightly raced and a Saturday horse in the making.
“He is a progressive horse who failed on his last two starts down south because of the fact they were really rainaffected tracks.
“Take those out of the equation and his form wasn’t too bad.”
Anderson said the former frontrunner was found to be better suited to sitting and coming from behind.
“We experimented a bit when we brought him home and found if he sits he is a lot more genuine,” he said.
Anderson will also hope to continue his success at Gold Coast with Don’t Stutter who has recorded two wins and a second from three appearances at the track.
Don’t Stutter will race in the Fillies and Mares Class 4 Plate (1200m) but despite her Aquis Park success, Anderson said she was meeting a strong field that included Saturday metro class runners.
“She is a filly that keeps rising to the challenge,” Anderson said of Don’t Stutter.
“Each time we ask her to raise the bar she keeps meeting it. It’s a small field but it’s a strong race.
“A number of the horses are Saturday class horses.
“Goodonya Sonja will be the one to beat.
“(Don’t Stutter) will go there with no pressure, a very fit horse from a good gate and 2kg to claim.
“With those conditions you have to roll the dice.”