The best plans of trainer Steve Farley have gone somewhat astray with Gazza Guru this summer and he is banking on a track improvement at Rosehill for the Christmas Cup.
Farley based the stayer’s preparation on the theory Sydney tracks would be firm at this time of year.
Untimely rain for the past few weeks means Gazza Guru has had to race on a slow track in the Frank Underwood Cup and possibly the same on Saturday.
But Farley is not giving up and believes there is a good win in Gazza Guru this campaign.
“He is just not as adaptable on wet tracks in this class of race,” Farley said.
“It takes away his good turn of foot and he just plugs away.
“But hopefully there are a few others who don’t handle it as well.
“He gets through it but I’m banking on an upgrade.”
“I planned his campaign around firm tracks and now this has happened.”
Gazza Guru is one of the outsiders in the Christmas Cup (2400m) but Farley may get his wish with Rosehill up from a heavy on Thursday to a slow (7) on Friday.
“It’s improving all the time and although there are a few showers forecast I think it can improve further,” track manager Chris Toogood said.
Gazza Guru is a half brother to Gold Guru, the champion three-year-old of the 1997-98 season for his wins in the Australian Guineas, Ranvet Stakes and AJC Australian Derby.
Gold Guru’s trainer Leon Macdonald was Gazza Guru’s first trainer then Lee Freedman took over in late 2008.
Farley has trained him to five wins and 11 placings since May 2009 with his third in the Craven Plate testament to his class.
“He has had a few issues along the way but the biggest have been mental,” Farley said.
“He has always had ability.”
That ability was on show when he racked up three consecutive thirds in the spring behind some of the classiest stayers in the country.
The sequence began in the Wyong Cup won by The Verminator then progressed to the Newcastle Cup won by Green Moon before the Craven Plate where he was third to My Kingdom Of Fife and Shootoff.
Although he has not won beyond 1800 metres, Farley has no doubts about Gazza Guru’s staying prowess.
“He showed me enough at Newcastle to say 2400 metres shouldn’t be a worry,” he said.
“If it was a good track tomorrow I’d be happy.
“The more the track dries out the happier I’ll be.”
AAP TURF
