Trainer Jason McLachlan has turned to family friend Shane Scriven to end Phelan Ready’s three-year absence from the winner’s list in the Prime Minister’s Cup at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
McLachlan and his late father, champion Queensland trainer Bruce McLachlan, shared in their biggest victory as co-trainers of Phelan Ready when the gelding won the Golden Slipper at Rosehill in 2009.
Phelan Ready hasn’t won a race since but has been placed six times in black-type company including a second to Danleigh in the Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in 2009.
The son of More Than Ready has showed only glimpses of his best form since his Golden Slipper victory but his recent autumn efforts in Melbourne indicated he could be on the way back.
Phelan Ready only had two runs in Melbourne finishing seventh to Black Caviar in the Group One Lightning Stakes before an eye-catching fourth to Hay List in the Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
“His Newmarket run was a beauty. He went super,” McLachlan said.
“Dean Yendall got off him and said he would have won if he could have got moving on him earlier.”
McLachlan’s biggest concern in the Prime Minister’s Cup is the weather and barrier 12.
“He’s got a fair bit of weight with 59 kilos and he’s got an ordinary barrier but the weight is only half a kilo above weight-for-age,” he said.
“It’s a good race but it’s nowhere near the calibre of the fields he’s been racing in lately.
“I’m hoping the track won’t be too rain-affected. He appreciates wet tracks so long as it’s not too heavy.
“I’d love to see him win, particularly for Scrivo who’s an old family friend of Dad and myself.”
Scriven only returned to race riding last month after being disqualified for five months, reduced to three on appeal, over a whip-stealing incident during a race at Ipswich 12 months ago.
He has only had five rides back and landed his first winner aboard Hangover Henry at Caloundra on April 22.
During his lengthy break from riding, Scriven’s weight ballooned to 74 kilos but he’s gradually got it down to 57 kilos and is confident of reducing it further.
Scriven’s only other ride on Saturday is aboard his old favourite Scenic Shot in the Group Two Hollindale Stakes (1800m).
Scenic Shot is back for his fourth attempt at the Hollindale.
He won the feature in 2008 when ridden by Glen Colless then Damien Oliver was aboard when he finished fifth in the 2009 renewal.
Scriven had the ride last year when Scenic Shot finished a close third behind My Kingdom Of Fife and Glass Harmonium.
