Just Folk could back-up in the Doncaster Mile

Veteran Cranbourne runner Just Folk has secured a berth in this Saturday’s $4 million Group 1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) after a commanding all-the-way win in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) at Rosehill on Tuesday.

Trainer Gavin Bedggood confirmed the famous Randwick mile is now a serious option for the consistent eight-year-old, despite the short turnaround between races.

“We’ll accept for the Doncaster and see how the weather plays out and make a call on Saturday,” he said.

“When that horse begins like that and wins the gates, he really gets into the groove and rolls along. It makes very heavy weather for those chasing.”

Sent out at $14 odds, Just Folk jumped smartly under Tommy Berry and took up the running early, setting a steady tempo and proving too tough to reel in. He crossed the line a length-and-a-quarter ahead of race favourite New Endeavour ($4.60), while Ducasse ($5.50) finished another half-length back in third.

Berry explained the plan was to take advantage of Just Folk’s strength and stamina from the outset.

“I felt that if I could drag the sprint out of them because he doesn’t have a lot of change-up speed from what I have been told, so I didn’t leave a lot of change-up speed there.

He was a deserved winner and did it at both ends.”

Following the Prelude victory, Just Folk shortened to $26 with online bettings sites for the Doncaster Handicap, with final barriers to be drawn later Tuesday evening.