Chris Munce has become the latest Queensland trainer to highlight the lack of early-season staying races programmed in Brisbane.
Munce, who will start Perplexity in the Tox Free Hcp (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday, has joined several other trainers in calling for more 2200m and 2400m races in the metropolitan area.
Perplexity was unplaced at his first three runs over unsuitable trips before closing late for a last-start fourth to Lock’s Legend over 2030m at Doomben.
He will tackle a similar distance on Saturday but Munce believes the horse will need further to show his best.
“He is really looking for 2200 or 2400 metres, or even a bit further,” Munce said.
“Most of the open company races around here have been 1600 or 2000 metes which doesn’t suit the stayers.
“There are 2400 metre races in Sydney which are an option, and there are some 2200 metre races coming up here.”
He said Saturday’s race should at least be run at a genuine tempo with noted frontrunner My Quilter in the field.
Munce has not yet committed to running Wicked Intent in Saturday’s 1110m race for three-year-olds after the colt drew barrier 12 of 13.
The trainer has booked three kilogram claiming apprentice Matt McGillivray to reduce Wicked Intent’s weight to 57kg.
“I will have a talk with the owners and probably make a decision on Friday or Saturday morning,” Munce said.
