The winter carnival campaign of Griffon has been changed on the advice of jockey Damian Browne.
Originally, the Lightning Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm on June 8 was on the radar for Griffon until trainer Robert Heathcote followed Browne’s suggestion to start the gelding in Saturday’s QTC Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
“After his last run at Doomben over 1110 metres Damian felt he was looking for more ground,” he said.
“I took on board what Damian had to say and threw in a nomination for the QTC Cup and he came up with barrier two.
“This is a natural step up to the 1300 metres whereas he would’ve been dropping back to 1000 metres if I was going to run him next week in the Lightning.”
Heathcote has booked apprentice Tegan Harrison to ride Griffon because Browne can’t ride at the gelding’s 53kg.
Griffon has settled among the tailenders in two starts this campaign but Heathcote feels he can race closer in the QTC Cup.
“From where he’s drawn he may not have to get back to last as he has been and should get a lovely economical run and get to the outside in the straight,” he said.
As a winner of last year’s Lightning at Listed level, Heathcote believes the gelding has the necessary class to be competitive in Group Two company on Saturday.
“I think he’s definitely got the ability to win a race of this quality,” he said.
“I suppose the 1300 metres is the query but he’s a big strong horse by Flying Spur and although he’s been effective over the short trips I’ve always felt he’d get further if given the opportunity.”
