Mr Epic to continue winning ways

Stradbroke Handicap placegetter The Virginian will be centre stage for Toby Edmonds at Eagle Farm but the trainer is also keen to see how Mr Epic performs in open company.

The Virginian hasn’t raced since his Group One third in June while Mr Epic’s five winter starts have yielded three wins and two minor placings.

“In fact he has won five of his past eight starts. They don’t come much more consistent than that and you know he will give his best every start,” Edmonds said.

Mr Epic was one of five horses nominated for a Class 6 and the Open handicap, both over 1600m, on Saturday.

Racing Queensland eventually scrapped the Class 6 but Edmonds had already made his decision to run Mr Epic in the Open Handicap in which he will carry 54kg.

Mr Epic has been ridden by northern rivers jockey Matt McGuren at most of his recent starts but he can’t make the weight.

“I have been able to get Jim Byrne who should suit him very well. Mr Epic worked strongly on Tuesday morning and he deserves a crack at open company,” Edmonds said.

Edmonds has a few concerns about The Virginian’s outside barrier of 16 in the Class 3 Plate (1000m).

“But they only start 12 from the 1000 metres at Eagle Farm and provided he can get some cover he should be OK,” he said.

Edmonds will decide whether to take The Virginian to Sydney or Melbourne for stakes sprints races after Saturday’s race.

The Group Two Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 17 and the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on the same day are options for the four-year-old.