Trainer Grahame Begg is taking a different spring approach to the one he adopted 12 months ago with Nonconformist.
Aimed at last year’s Caulfield Cup, Nonconformist fell behind in his preparation when there was little wriggle-room following a setback.
However, by starting the gelding’s preparation off in the Group 2 P B Lawrenece Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, Begg has opened up options.
Begg has pencilled in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) on August 28 and the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) on September 18 as Nonconformist’s next two runs.
Success in the Naturalism would provide Nonconformist a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17.
“This was always the kick-off. It gives us two weeks to the Heatherlie and then it’s three weeks to the Naturalism,” Begg said.
“There’s nice progression there, 1400 (metres) up to 1700 up to 2000 and it leaves room for manoeuvring if for some reason you need to change tact.
“I might have left it a bit late to start him last year. I didn’t start him off until two weeks later last year, so I brought him in earlier under that pretence to make sure he’s up and about and ready to go.”
Begg is happy with how Nonconformist has shaped up this campaign with a couple of jump-outs leading into his is return.
“I’m not saying he can win on Saturday, but he certainly won’t disgrace himself,” Begg said.
“It looks a small field and there’s the possibility of getting on firm ground which is always a plus for him.
“He always likes being on top of the ground. He’s alright getting his toe into the ground, but the weather forecast looks quite good.
“There’s a good cover of grass and the track looks outstanding.”
