Trainer David Murphy has two plans in place for the winter carnival campaign of promising staying prospect Shotacross The Bow.
Shotacross The Bow is one of several winter carnival bound three-year-olds who will contest the Andrew Goves (1630m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Murphy has high hopes for Shotacross The Bow who hasn’t run since finishing fifth to Privlaka at Doomben over 1350m on January 30.
The gelding hasn’t won past 1400m but has given every indication he will stay. Murphy has mapped out two plans for Shotacross The Bow who has won twice first-up and is working strongly.
“At this stage we will go into the Toowoomba Guineas in a fortnight and then on to the Gunsynd Classic at Doomben at Doomben on April 30,” Murphy said.
“From there it is the Rough Habit Plate over 2020 metres two weeks later. If we think he can stay after that race he will tackle the Grand Prix Stakes over 2200 and then the Queensland Derby.”
“But if he can’t stay we will bring him back to the 1600 metres of the Queensland Guineas. It is at Eagle Farm this year and that will suit him.”
Brad Stewart has ridden Shotacross the Bow in most of his recent runs but suggested Murphy find another jockey.
“Brad told me he had no luck on the horse and I might be better getting someone else. We tried an apprentice at his last start before a break but the horse proved too strong,” Murphy said.
“Michael Cahill is the new rider and he is a very experienced jockey and he will suit the horse.”
