Patinack Farm will hinge its George Main Stakes hopes to its most recent Group One winner rather than mount a two-horse challenge on the weight-for-age race.
Nathan Tinkler’s breeding and racing empire has already settled on Gathering as its George Main runner, leaving the enigmatic Trusting to take his place in the Hill Stakes.
The rescheduling of the George Main meeting from Randwick to Rosehill forced Patinack’s hand in the headline race, according to racing manager Robyn Hartney.
She said trainer John Thompson considered Trusting now too dour for the George Main – a time-honoured race reduced from 1600m to 1500m because of the meeting transfer.
“Bringing Trusting back in distance wouldn’t have suited him so he’ll step up to 2000 metres in the Hill Stakes,” she said.
“On the other hand, 1500 metres fits in superbly with Gathering’s progression this campaign.
“He’ll be third-up and close to his best for the race.”
Patinack will once again import Singapore-based jockey Joao Moreira for four important rides at what is shaping as easily Sydney’s best meeting since the autumn carnival.
Besides Gathering and Trusting, Moriera is also booked for Pane In The Glass in the Tea Rose Stakes and Win For Wilson in the Gloaming Stakes.
Moreira was in the saddle when Trusting broke a long sequence of outs with his Chelmsford Stakes win at Warwick Farm on September 3.
The George Main attracted 15 entries with Gathering, winner of the Railway Stakes during last year’s Perth carnival, one of seven Group One winners nominated.
The entry list includes Stradbroke Handicap winner Sincero who will be making his debut at weight-for-age.
Sincero had his first start since the Stradbroke when he lugged 58kg to win the Tramway Handicap at Warwick Farm on September 3.
Trusting is one of 14 nominations for the Hill Stakes, also run at weight-for-age.
As expected, trainer Chris Waller entered My Kingdom Of Fife as he weighs up Sydney and Melbourne options for the import.
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner is one of five Waller entries as the Rosehill trainer’s team for the major spring cups starts to take shape.
Stable newcomer Albert The Fat is an entry for The Shorts alongside Waller’s multiple Group One winner Danleigh.
Pane In The Glass is one of 11 nominations for the Tea Rose Stakes, a Princess Series race.
Chelmsford Stakes placegetter Strike The Stars heads entries for the Gloaming Stakes.
AAP TURF
