Trainer Ricky Maund is hoping General Truce has developed the extra stamina needed to run a strong 1200 metres to enable him to compete in the feature summer sprints.
The four-year-old is a gifted speedster who has won $400,000 prize money, but has struggled to make his mark beyond 1000 metres.
Maund hopes to run General Truce in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day or the Group Three Standish Handicap at Flemington on January 2 but concedes he may have to look for shorter options.
Much will depend on how well the consistent sprinter runs in Saturday’s Roses Victoria Cup (1100m) at Caulfield.
His only three wins from 23 starts have been over 1000 metres twice and 900 metres.
He has been placed at nine of his 10 runs up to 1050 metres but placed at only five of his 13 starts from 1100 to 1200 metres.
“Early on he might have struggled at 1200 metres but he’s older now and at this time of year he might have his chance,” Maund said.
General Truce has been a regular stakes performer and as a three-year-old was placed three times at 1200 metres, twice posting thirds at Group Two level in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington and Yallambee Stakes at Morphettville. He was also second over 1200 metres at Caulfield in May.
On Saturday he gets his chance to prove he can win beyond 1000 metres after going down a long neck when a first-up third to Galbraith and Rocking Force over 1000 metres at Moonee Valley two weeks ago.
“If we get the feel he might run a strong 1200 metres we will look at the Christmas Stakes or the Standish, if not, there is a 955 metre race at Moonee Valley on New Year’s Eve,” Maund said.
“We will just try and place him right.”
“He doesn’t know how to run a bad race. He just tries and tries.”
Maund said left-handed whip rider Craig Newitt, who jumps on General Truce for the first time, may be able to get an extra effort from General Truce on Saturday.
“It probably won’t hurt having Craig on him with the stick in the left hand, and he is riding in mighty form.
Maund said he hoped General Truce would settle close to the lead in the capacity field.
“I wouldn’t want him to get into a speed duel but if he’s in the first five or so that would be ideal,” Maund said
General Truce has drawn the inside barrier and is the solid third favourite with TAB Sportsbet at $5 behind Catapulted ($4.40) and Miss Octopussy ($4.80).
Maund also has two-year-old Timely Truce engaged in the Laura Butcher Memorial Plate (1100m), giving him hope of a winning double at Caulfield.
Like General Truce, Timely Truce is a son of Brief Truce and he is $5.50 second favourite after an encouraging second to Maximus Moonard at his race debut in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown on November 12.
AAP TURF
