Brilliant two-year-old Stagger returns to racing in Monday’s $15,000 Kings Halls Jewellers Silver Goblet (1120m) at Dubbo a more mature individual.
Stagger created a huge impression on debut bolting in by a massive 12-1/2 lengths over 1000m at Canberra on February 1.
Thrown straight in the deep end, the Snippetson colt, purchased by owner-trained Brian Buckley for $9000 as a yearling, was sensationally backed in the Listed Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on February 12.
Unfortunately for Buckley and backers, after leading the field Stagger felt the pinch over the final 100 metres finishing 4-1/2 lengths fifth to Diamond To Pegasus.
The 149-day break has done the colt the world of good Buckley said.
“He’s matured and filled out all over, in the right places,” Buckley said.
“He’s come back 35 to 40 kilos heavier and started to furnish where he should.
“He’s a darn nice horse.”
Buckley has had Stagger in work for around 11 weeks and two private jump outs have kept the colt up to the mark.
“He hasn’t trialled but had two jump outs, the last about a fortnight back and has come through really well,” Buckley said.
“He’s not 100 per cent wound up, probably 90 per cent, but he’s going pretty good.
And the colts blinding speed?
“He doesn’t seem to have lost any,” Buckley said. I’m happy with where he’s at.”
Buckley said that while disappointed when Stagger was beaten in the Canonbury, there were genuine excuses.
“He didn’t travel well, wanted to play up down there and got off the lead once when walking,” he said.
“In hindsight he’d probably had enough, (gone) over the top.
“That’s why we turned him straight out.”
Champion country hoop Greg Ryan has been booked for Stagger who will carry top weight of 59kg at Dubbo.
“The weight won’t worry him over the short trip,” Buckley said.
“I don’t know much about the opposition, there are a few from Sydney which you’ve always got to be wary off. I’m happy with my bloke.”
Stagger is likely to have another country run before returning to Sydney.”
AAP TURF
