Denmagic asked to hit the ground running

Trainer David Pfieffer concedes the Listed Hawkesbury Gold Rush is not the ideal starting point for Denmagic who is being aimed at longer distances in Queensland.

Pfieffer would have preferred to bring the five-year-old back in another race on Saturday’s program, the Group Three Godolphin Crown (1300m) but settled for the 1100m-sprint after her fourth in a barrier trial 11 days ago.

“She was a couple of gallops short so we’ve gone for a sprint race and see how she comes through that,” Pfieffer said.

“The 1100 is short of her best but she always sprints well fresh and it looks like there’s plenty of speed in the race.”

Denmagic races for the first time since her third in the Group Three Belle Of The Turf (1600m) in Gosford in December behind Pecans and Sedanzer, who line up in the Godolphin Crown.

“She’ll get back, smoke a pipe and then hit the line with a bit of luck,” Pfieffer said.

Rated a $13 chance with the TAB on Friday in a market led by Tango Rain ($3.80), Denmagic’s effectiveness will govern whether she embarks on a third trip to Queensland.

Pfieffer also has Brisbane in mind for three-year-old colt Kurnel Jaxon, who steps up to stakes grade for the first time in the Group Three Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).

“He might be a Queensland Derby contender though he needs a few more stripes on his sleeve before we think about that,” Pfieffer said.

“I think the trip is a bit short for him. I’m looking to get him over a mile next start so this will give is an idea how good he is.

“There’s a few options around, I just have to make the right choice for him.”

Kurnel Jaxon has three wins up to 1600 metres.

He was a $26 chance with the TAB on Friday, well adrift of the Jenny Graham-trained Country Championship final winner Victorem, the $2.70 favourite.