Former jockey-turned-trainer Con Karakatsanis says he can relate to Hugh Bowman’s decision to cut ties with his Group One winner Black Piranha.
Bowman will switch from the two-time Stradbroke Handicap winner to Chris Waller’s My Kingdom Of Fife, the imported galloper touted as a Cox Plate contender, in Saturday’s Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick.
“I totally understand Hugh’s situation,” Karakatsanis said.
“I rode myself and sometimes I had to get off one horse to ride another.
“Looking for the future, if Hugh doesn’t get on (My Kingdom Of Fife) now he probably won’t get on him again in the spring.”
My Kingdom Of Fife, owned by the Queen when he raced in England, has won three of his four Australian starts for new connections.
He saluted at Group One level with his Queen Elizabeth Stakes win at Randwick and his only defeat for Waller came when a close second in the Doomben Cup.
Significantly, he won first-up over the Randwick mile when making his Australian debut after 32 weeks away from the racetrack.
Karakatsanis said Bowman’s move had left him “in a bit of a pickle” but he wasn’t rushed into making a booking for the Group Two weight-for-age race.
“I was aware of the situation last week,” he said.
“A jockey who can ride him one week and not the other is no good to me.
“If it was a midweek or a country race I wouldn’t be so worried but when you are planning for Group Ones I don’t want to be chopping and changing.”
Karakatsanis has booked Brisbane-based Matthew Palmer for Saturday’s ride as well as the George Main Stakes and Craven Stakes.
“Matthew rode him against Black Caviar in the BTC Cup and he did everything I asked him to do on the horse,” Karakatsanis said.
Black Piranha had Bowman in the saddle when the sprinter-miler ran an encouraging race in the Warwick Stakes.
“Warwick Farm was never really going to be his track,” Karakatsanis said.
“He is racing now like he needs the mile (journey).”
With the exception of Sacred Choice, it’s hard to find a better-credentialled horse over the famous Randwick mile lining up in the Chelmsford than Black Piranha.
The veteran’s five outings over the course have all been in Group One company with placings in the Doncaster Mile and George Main Stakes his standout results.
Waller could have as many as four Chelmsford runners with Hawk Island, Sydney Cup winner Stand To Gain and stable newcomer Illustrious Blue among the 20 nominations.
Six entries – At First Sight, Base, Littorio, Maluckyday, Midas Touch and Trusting – have also been nominated for the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.
Waller is also expected to hold a strong hand in the Tramway Handicap with Group One winner Pressday, Syreon and Triple Elegance.
Peter Snowden has only one Tramway nomination – Parthian – but the Darley trainer dominates Furious Stakes entries with Aerobatics, Anise and Detours.
AAP TURF
