Trainer Norm Hilton will put aside the Bold Glance running and handling inquiry as he looks to gauge Poor Judge’s Doncaster Mile prospects when the five-year-old makes his comeback at Eagle Farm.
Hilton and jockey Bobby El-Issa are due to front Racing Queensland stewards next week when an inquiry resumes into the rider’s handling of Bold Glance at Eagle Farm last week.
Stewards raised their concerns with El-Issa’s riding action and vigour from the 300 metres, particularly in the final 75 metres, after Bold Glance finished second to Essington who started $1.75 favourite in the Listed Falvelon Quality.
Stewards, who have also questioned a punter, have ordered El-Issa to produce his mobile phone records when the inquiry reconvenes.
Hilton said he had nothing to hide and was more focused on Poor Judge who will be having his first start since winning the Group Three Chatham Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last October.
“I don’t want to say too much but I’m not worried,” Hilton said of the Bold Glance inquiry.
“Running second with Bold Glance cost me $44,000 (in prizemoney) and it may have cost him a start in the Doncaster.”
Chris Munce will ride Poor Judge after Hilton decided not to claim on the gelding who has 61.5 kilograms in Saturday’s Sky Racing Handicap (1000m).
“I wanted Chris Munce because he’s going to ride him in the Gold Coast Stakes next start and in Sydney in the George Ryder and Doncaster Mile,” Hilton said.
“I want Chris to give me some gauge on how he’s going.”
Hilton isn’t concerned Poor Judge will chase noted speedster Monashee Dancer, a six-time winner over the short course.
“Monashee Dancer and Tycoon Tattoo from Toowoomba will be hard to beat but I’m not afraid of either of them,” he said.
“Poor Judge should run very well even though he’s got a lot of weight.
“I don’t think weight is a critical factor over this distance.”
Poor Judge and Bold Glance will clash in the Gold Coast Stakes (1200m) in two weeks before the pair head interstate for next month’s Group One George Ryder and Doncaster Mile at Randwick.
Poor Judge won twice at Listed level during last year’s Brisbane winter carnival before being hauled from the spelling paddock by Hilton who sent him to Melbourne last spring.
The gamble paid off handsomely when Poor Judge ran third to More Joyous in the Group One Toorak Handicap at Caulfield before claiming the Chatham Stakes.
AAP TURF
