Talented colt Celestial Legend will extend beyond 1200 metres for the first time in the Hobartville Stakes, but trainer Les Bridge is wary the three-year-old may already want further.
A son of 2013 ATC Australian Derby winner Dundeel, Celestial Legend is bred to appreciate at least a mile and while sharp as a younger horse, Bridge is seeing signs the three-year-old is beginning to lean to his pedigree.
“The way he is going now, I think he’s looking for further,” Bridge said.
“He’s by Dundeel so we will see how he goes. Saturday will tell me a lot.
“He has worked well and he’s good, just the 1400 might be a problem for him.”
Celestial Legend kicked off his campaign with a fifth to Caballus in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) having underlined his promise the previous spring when runner-up to subsequent Group 1 winner Ozzmosis in the Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.
Bridge has taken him on a deliberately slow and steady path, giving the colt time to mature and grow, and he is happy Celestial Legend has furnished enough to make an autumn impact.
He says the next step is up to the horse.
“Physically, he’s good. It’s just a matter of whether he’s up to it now,” Bridge said.
“He’s got to run well on Saturday and I reckon once he gets to the mile at Randwick on the big track and he can relax, that’s what he needs.”
Tempo is also crucial for the natural backmarker, who turned in what Bridge described as an inconclusive performance first-up given the slowly-run nature of the Eskimo Prince Stakes.
The Hall Of Fame trainer is hoping for a quicker pace in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), especially with the engagement of three Tulloch Lodge runners, a stable renowned for producing horses who race on-speed.
“Hopefully, that’s what I’m banking on,” Bridge said.
“He is a lovely horse.
“The faster they go, the better it will suit him, especially drawn out wide (barrier 10). We want the speed on.”
Bridge will also have Smart Legend in the Midway Handicap (1500m), the gelding arriving at the race third-up and off the back of a brace of minor placings in midweek grade.
“He has been running well, he’s due for a win,” Bridge said.
