Trainer Norm Hilton believes Bold Glance will have a fitness edge over stablemate Poor Judge when the pair clash in the $100,000 Gold Coast Stakes on Saturday.
Hilton is taking an unorthodox path to next month’s Group One Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick with the pair who meet another Doncaster hopeful, Epsom Handicap winner Captain Sonador, in the 1200-metre sprint.
Bold Glance had a six-week let-up following his Magic Millions Cup triumph at the Gold Coast in January before finishing second to Essington in the Listed Falvelon Quality (1200m) at Eagle Farm on February 26.
Racing Queensland stewards are still conducting an inquiry into Bold Glance’s performance when they queried jockey Bobby El-Issa’s handling of the five-year-old.
Poor Judge won the Group Three Chatham Stakes (1400m) on a heavy track at Flemington in October before disappointing when last in a field of four to Monashee Dancer in his comeback over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm on March 5.
The track was also rated heavy that day and Poor Judge was saddled with a mammoth 61.5 kilograms.
Hilton is delighted with the improvement from both sprinters since their last appearances but favours Bold Glance because of his superior fitness.
The pair is set to clash again in next month’s Group One George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill and possibly in the Doncaster Mile.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t keep them apart before the Doncaster,” Hilton said.
“They’ll clash again in the George Ryder and if Bold Glance can win it both he and Poor Judge will meet again in the Doncaster.”
Hilton believes a victory by Bold Glance in the Gold Coast Stakes could boost the gelding’s claim for a Doncaster start.
“Bold Glance can get into the Doncaster by winning the George Ryder as the winner is exempt from a ballot,” Hilton said.
“But if he doesn’t then winning the Gold Coast Stakes will earn him some extra weight and will put him up the order a bit.”
Hilton has engaged Scott Seamer for Bold Glance while regular rider Chris Munce will partner Poor Judge.
“I favour Bold Glance at this stage of their preparations,” Hilton said.
“Bold Glance is race fit and is in-form.
“I know Poor Judge hasn’t peaked yet and he’s still on the way up. He won’t peak until the Doncaster which is what I want.”
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