Discussions in the office this week have centred around our stayers, many of which are nowgetting to the stage of their preparation where expectations rise. Saturday looms as ‘MovingDay’, with Athabascan, Deakin, Mark Twain and Azazel all stepping out at stakes level over a journey they can be very competitive at.
Azazel is the new kid on the scene, with the son of Shocking heading straight to Listed level in the Super Impose Plate after his encouraging debut victory over 1600m at Seymour. He’s a horse who has always presented as a Derby type, so he’s being given his opportunity to make it to the Flemington feature on November 1.
Azazel lacks a bit of experience compared to his competitors but the step out in trip, big galloping track and a continued association with Mick Dee holds him in good stead.
Azazel wins on debut.
Deakin is trending very nicely through his preparation, clocking the 2 nd fastest last 600m of the race last time out. He was only bettered by Plymouth, who was carrying 6.5kgs less and has gone onto win the Benalla Cup since.
Clearly the 2000m Group 1 Turnbull Stakes is an ultra-competitive race, with Deakin set to take on some of the country strongest middle-distance horses. What it does provide though is our gelding the chance to get out to a more suitable journey and weight scale, and acts as a perfect springboard for his Caulfield Cup tilt. His tick over trial last week suggests he’s ready to start making his mark.
Deakin wins latest Pakenham trial.
Although Mark Twain’s campaign makes for interesting reading on paper, he’s right where the James & Wellwood stable want him to be as he steps out in his first major target race of the spring, the 2500m Group 3 The Bart Cummings.
He’s been a ‘Golden Ticket’ holder for the Melbourne Cup before and is looking to repeat the thrill of his Roy Higgins victory. He’s made for this journey and beyond and with a great fitness base, he’s expected to be rounding his race off very well.
Mark Twain wins the 2024 Listed Roy Higgins.
Athabascan is another whose form on paper doesn’t make for the most inspiring reading. He’s not made much of an impression in his two runs back but given he had an interrupted lead up, he was certainly in need of those outings. On Saturday, he’ll step out to the 2400m journey at Randwick in the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap and it looks a good time for him to show some spark from a good draw.
He’s a beautiful, honest stayer and at his favourite track on Saturday, he gets his chance to show us there are still many good days ahead.
Athabascan wins the G3 St Leger Stakes in 2024.
We wish all those involved this weekend the very best of luck.