Trainer David Brideoake is resisting the temptation to back up Warm Love at Flemington and will instead aim her at Adelaide’s last feature race of the season at the end of the month.
Brideoake said the three-year-old had breezed through her first-up assignment when third to Secret Flyer in last Saturday’s Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield and was almost certain to have her next run in the Reliance Petroleum Stakes at Morphettville on July 30.
“It is a massive temptation to run her again this week at Flemington because she has pulled up so well but I think we will head to Adelaide instead,” Brideoake said.
The Listed Reliance Petroleum Stakes (1050m) is better known as the Dermody Stakes and is for two and three-year-olds.
Warm Love was nominated at Flemington for Saturday’s Isca Hcp (1000m) against fillies as well as the TCL Electronics Hcp (1000m) which includes Beyond Pardon, Definitely Ready, Sarge In Charge, Tollesprit and comeback sprinter Wilander who is now trained by David Hayes.
“I would have loved to have gone to Flemington with her (Warm Love) because she is very much proven over that course, but I reckon the Adelaide race is an ideal opportunity for her,” Brideoake said.
“It gives her two weeks between runs which is not a bad way to go.”
Brideoake said he was more convinced than ever that Warm Love would run a strong 1200 metres despite never having raced over the distance.
“I thought it was a great effort last Saturday,” Brideoake said.
“First up at 1100 metres she was always going to be a little bit vulnerable so I was really, really happy with her run.
“She settled well and was pretty strong at the finish, and has come through it well.”
Meanwhile, Luke Oliver will accept with Scenic Scene in the Hannan Displays Hcp (1600m) at Flemington despite unflattering performances at his last two starts.
He has had four runs this campaign and finished third last at his two most recent starts at Moonee Valley and in the Winter Championship Final at Flemington.
But Oliver said there excuses for the nine-year-old gelding on both occasions.
“At Moonee Valley he drew outside and got back to last and never got a crack at them and last start he only got beaten five lengths and covered a stack of ground, and went too early,” Oliver said.
Oliver has replaced Jason Benbow with Craig Newitt on Scenic Scene on Saturday.
AAP TURF
