A trip to Singapore goes on the line for Bel Sprinter when he contests the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Bel Sprinter has been nominated for the KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) at Kranji on May 17, a race in which he finished second to Hong Kong galloper Lucky Nine in 2013.
The Gary Portelli-trained Rebel Dane, a $5.50 equal favourite for Friday night’s Group One race over 1200m, has also been nominated for the Singapore race.
Trainer Jason Warren said a one-two finish on Friday night should ensure Bel Sprinter an invitation for the KrisFlyer.
While Bel Sprinter, a $35 chance in William Reid betting, hasn’t been successful since winning The Galaxy at Rosehill in 2013, Warren is confident the gelding is in top shape.
“I gave him a little jump-out at Balnarring last week to keep him up to the mark,” Warren said.
“He’s in the zone.”
Warren said getting back to Moonee Valley and the weight-for-age conditions are a positive for the rising eight-year-old who found the handicap conditions against him when ninth in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield at his last start.
Bel Sprinter is a two-time winner at Moonee Valley and Warren said the gelding loves the layout.
“The Strathayr suits him but he likes the circuit where he can slingshot off the bend and really let go,” he said.
With Ben Melham electing to ride the Peter Moody-trained Peron, Warren has engaged Kerrin McEvoy, who at his only ride on the gelding was successful in The Galaxy.
“Ben got off which opened the door for us to get Kerrin back in the saddle,” Warren said.
Warren also has Double Dee (Ascend Sales Handicap), Three Points (1PRINT Tour of Victoria Middle Distance Final) and Danger Close (Jeep 55 Second Challenge Heat 16) engaged on Friday night.
“I’ve got three other good chances on the night so hopefully we can get a double, or more,” he said.
WILLIAM REID STAKES
* First run in 1925 when won by The Night Patrol who also won the following year
* Upgraded to Group One status in 1987 when the Rick Hore-Lacy-trained Canny Lass won
* Manikato has an unparalleled record winning five in a row from 1979 to 1983
* Other multiple winners: Flying Halo (1952-53 and 1955); Heros (1934-35), Golden Doubles (1957-58), All Shot (1973-74); Apache Cat (2008-09).
