Sydney’s weather threatens to derail King’s Troop’s shot at a million dollar race on the Gold Coast.
If the track remains in the heavy range on Boxing Day, trainer Gerald Ryan says he won’t run at Randwick which means he is unlikely to make the field for the $1 million Magic Million Sprint two weeks later.
After heavy rain early in the week, further showers are predicted in and around Sydney for the next few days.
Although his prize money stands at less than $80,000 from his three starts, the colt’s reputation has risen with the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes win of Japonisme.
King’s Troop twice finished second to the Chris Waller-trained three-year-old during the winter.
“If the track is heavy he won’t run which would put paid to the Gold Coast,” Ryan said.
“Looking at the likely field for the Magic Millions Sprint, he won’t have enough prize money.
“He would have been an emergency for the Bat Out Of Hell at the Gold Coast this Saturday and a lot of those horses are probably going to the Magic Millions.”
Other options for King’s Troop include the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford on January 8.
Ryan will, however, run Dances On Stars in the Listed Canterbury Classic (1200m) at Randwick.
“He has a good second-up record and a mixed wet track record,” he said.
“He will take improvement from his first-up run.”
Dances On Stars finished 11th of 16 after a chequered passage in the Razor Sharp on December 12, less than three lengths from the winner Cradle Me who is again among his opponents.
He has a win and three minor placings from 10 starts on rain-affected ground.
