Tony Sergi says it will be Sydney over Canberra for On Our Selection this weekend when the Queanbeyan trainer hopes to gauge the two-year-old’s autumn prospects.
On Our Selection finished fifth in the Listed Breeders Plate (1000m) at his only start in October and Sergi is looking forward to the youngster’s return in Saturday’s The Juniors Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill.
Sergi has also entered On Our Selection for the Lightning Ridge Plate (1000m) at Canberra on Sunday.
“The horse needs the 1200 metres,” Sergi said.
“The 1000-metre race at Canberra was basically just in case they got rained out in Sydney. He is more of a staying type so the 1200 should suit him.”
With the scratching of Rich `N’ Famous a field of nine remained on Friday with On Our Selection an outsider at $35 with TAB Sportsbet which surprised Sergi.
The Peter Snowden-trained Tatra was the $3.60 favourite ahead of Redoute’s Choice’s half-sister The Broken Shore at $4.40.
“He had a trial at Canberra and finished just over a length behind them but could have won,” Sergi said.
“He did what he wanted and his work has been sensational this week.
“I give him an outside chance tomorrow.”
Sergi prepared Diamond To Pegasus to win the Listed Canonbury Stakes for two-year-olds in Sydney last season.
The trainer had On Our Selection entered to resume earlier this month but said he erred on the side of caution after a slight setback and gave him an extra couple of weeks.
A start in the Black Opal Stakes (1200m) at Canberra on March 11 is a likely next target for On Our Selection with Sergi also considering the Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and Champagne Stakes (1600m) later in the autumn depending on how the gelding measures up.
“If he runs a good race tomorrow then there is that option,” Sergi said.
AAP TURF
