Having shown his mettle against the better three-year-olds with a first-up placing behind star filly Tempted, Napoleonic’s next challenge is to prove he can stretch his brilliance.
The young colt will get that opportunity at Rosehill on Saturday when he rises to 1400-metres for the first time in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes.
Restricted to 1200m in the spring, he won three of his four starts culminating in a stakes victory at Moonee Valley, but co-trainer Tom Charlton believes he is looking for further now and could even extend to 1600m in the Randwick Guineas next month.
“We feel confident about the 1400 and, in regards to a mile, it’s definitely a possibility,” Charlton said.
“This weekend will give us a more definitive answer to whether we press on (to the Randwick Guineas).
“We will get through the weekend but there are some nice options on the table.”
Charlton’s optimism is shared by jockey Zac Lloyd, who partnered Napoleonic first-up and will again be aboard in the Hobartville.
Lloyd believes a firm track shapes as a bigger negative than the distance, but is looking forward to seeing his mount match motors with the likes of Group 1 winners Autumn Boy and Attica.
“I think he’s a very good colt,” Lloyd said.
“I ride him a fair bit at home, so I’m very excited to see what he can do on Saturday.
“And even after Saturday, probably in Group One company, I think he’ll perform very well.
“He does appreciate a bit of give in the track, which he might not get at Rosehill, so that could be a little knock against him. But I think 1400, and in due time a mile, will suit him a lot.”
Journeyman, a stunning midweek winner on debut at Warwick Farm earlier this month, has been scratched from the race after he was found to be lame in his off-hind leg on Wednesday.
Co-trainer Will Freedman said the gelding was being sent for further tests and while the injury didn’t appear serious, they were likely to take a conservative approach and spell him.
