Joe Pride isn’t sure how Estadio Mestalla has been allocated two kilos more than a Group 1 winner in the Luskin Star Stakes, but he does know the consistent gelding will give his all.
The seven-year-old posted his most significant win in last year’s Listed Winter Stakes (1100m) and has been handicapped at 61kg for Saturday’s Scone feature, while 2025 Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker, who also claimed the Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) in the spring, has 59kg.
“Explain that one to me,” Pride quipped.
“He is curiously weighted.”
The gelding has proven to be an effective weight carrier, lumping 63kg to victory at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day, and 61kg when placed in the Summer Cup (2000m) in December.
Pride says Estadio Mestalla’s strong frame helps him to cart hefty imposts but isn’t the only factor.
“I have also had some good small horses able to do it,” Pride said.
“He’s a very well-balanced horse, and quality helps them carry weight. If they’re not good, they can’t carry it against anyone.”
Handicaps aside, Pride is expecting another strong performance from Estadio Mestalla following his closing sixth in the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m), his first appearance since the summer.
While Saturday’s Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) is another stepping stone on the road to the horse’s ultimate aim – next month’s Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in Brisbane – Pride also believes it is a winnable race for his charge.
“He will peak third-up, but he will run very well at Scone,” he said.
“The Stradbroke is his goal.”
The Scone feature has been won by some quality horses including Osborne Bulls (2018), who was third in The Everest later that year and retired as a five-time Group 1 placegetter; Trekking, who captured the 2019 Luskin Star Stakes-Stradbroke Handicap double and also placed in an Everest; and accomplished sprinter Lost And Running (2021).
