His pedigree suggests Off The Rails should be a sprinter but trainer Bjorn Baker will give him a chance to prove otherwise in the Australia Day Cup.
In May last year, Off the Rails won over 2000 metres and his trainer has seen enough in his recent form to suggest he can be competitive over the 2400 metres of Saturday’s Listed race at Randwick.
The four-year-old is by Group One-winning sprinter Snitzel who has made his name in the breeding barn as a sire of sprinters. His dam is It’s You, whose only win was over 1000 metres.
Since winning over 1500 metres on December 6, Off The Rails has run second over 1900 metres at Rosehill and at his most recent outing was third over 1800 in the Magic Millions Stayers Cup at the Gold Coast.
“He’s not bred to be a stayer but he gives the impression he will get over 2400 metres so we are giving him a try at it,” Baker said.
“He has won over 2000 metres at Randwick before and his last run at the Gold Coast was really good.
“He travelled up and back in good order. He’s a really laid-back customer and very relaxed.”
Only two of the 10 runners, Planet Purple and Blazing Dragon, are under double figures in a compressed market with Danas Best the TAB’s $4 favourite on Friday and Off The Rails a $9.50 chance.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained Danas Best finished just behind Off The Rails when fourth at the Gold Coast at his second run back from a long lay-off.
Baker will also saddle up Miss Tenpins at Randwick hoping the mare can gain a reward for her consistency over 1200 metres in the fillies and mares benchmark 80.
Miss Tenpins has been placed four times and run fourth from five starts this campaign.
“She is in good order and hopefully this is her day,” Baker said.
