Victoria’s premier trainer Darren Weir will unveil the stable’s latest West Australian recruit when Chocolate Holic makes his eastern states debut in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
Chocolate Holic has won seven of his 11 starts in the west, including the Listed Northam Cup (1600m) and Listed Carbine Club of W.A Stakes (1400m), and resumes in Saturday’s Group Three Sir John Monash at Caulfield over 1100m.
He also finished second to subsequent Group One Goodwood winner Vega Magic in the Group Three A J Scahill Stakes (1400m) at Ascot in his most recent start last December.
Chocolate Holic trialled twice in April and May for his former trainers Grant and Alana Williams before they sent him to Weir to give him his chance in Victoria.
“He’s a really nice horse and a good horse to get,” Weir said.
“He had good trainers before coming over here, so it would be hard to improve him but hopefully I get him going as good.
“Grant and Alana just rang up and said we’ll send him over. There’s a few more opportunities here.”
The Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) two weeks after Saturday and the Group Two PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) next month are possible targets for Chocolate Holic.
“I reckon 1400 metres is his go,” Weir said.
“I would have thought he would need further than what it is on Saturday.
“I reckon he will be hitting the line well but I just thought it might be too short.”
Weir’s past success with West Australian horses is highlighted by Black Heart Bart’s five Group One wins in his care.
Chocolate Holic has been based at Weir’s Warrnambool stable and even though the trainer believes the 1100m could be too short, he is looking forward to the gelding stepping out for the stable.
“He’s a lovely little horse to train. And a good horse,” Weir said.
“It’s always a bit nervous about how they’ll go when they are so well performed when they come. But you can only get them well and happy and see what happens.”
Group One placed sprinter Supido is the $2.10 favourite to win first-up, with Chocolate Holic at $4.80.
The 2014 winner Lord Of The Sky, who will be contesting his fourth Monash Stakes, is at $5.50.
Chocolate Holic forms part of a full book of rides for Craig Williams who is two wins behind leader Beau Mertens in the Melbourne jockeys’ premiership with five meetings remaining.
