Running Jedibeel first-up in The Shorts has never been Plan A for trainer Brad Widdup but after missing a scheduled start in the Concorde Stakes due to a setback, he is resigned to pitting his charge against some of the country’s best sprinters.
A key lead-up race to The Everest (1200m) on October 18, The Shorts (1100m) is also being targeted by T J Smith Stakes winner Briasa, who has been trialling superbly, along with the likes of Joliestar, Private Harry and Headwall.
Jedibeel was scratched from the Concorde Stakes (1000m) last week due to a light ankle strain and Widdup felt next weekend’s The Shorts (1100m) shaped as an even stiffer target.
“Very hard race,” Widdup said.
“That is why it was very frustrating not to be able to run him last week. I’m not saying he would have won that race, but he drew well and it looked a good race for him.
“This race is going to be ten times harder. We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere and I’d rather stay at home in Sydney, get him going and then we can work it out from there.”
Jedibeel was given a solo exhibition gallop between races at Rosehill on Saturday by jockey Kerrin Mcevoy, who will partner him in The Shorts.
Widdup described it as a “tick over gallop” and said it was preferable to taking the gelding back to the trials off a setback.
“We wanted to get him away from home and just do a little bit of work,” he said.
“It was a nice little hit-out today. I will probably need to do a little bit more during the week and then hopefully he can acquit himself well next week.”
Widdup also confirmed that Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) winner Savvy Hallie wouldn’t be seen again this spring after the decision had been made to spell her following her third in the Furious Stakes (1200m).
“She has gone for a break,” Widdup said.
“Everything is fine. She is going to be better as she gets on.”
