A good barrier draw has convinced Brad Widdup to bring Phearson’s campaign schedule forward a week and head to the Listed Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford.
Widdup had initially earmarked the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone on May 17 for the gelding’s next start but after throwing him into the mix for this weekend’s central coast assignment, opted to change tack.
“The initial plan was to wait for Scone but we had a think about it,” Widdup said.
“He ran terrific the other day and I thought it was a nice race to have a look at, provided we drew well and we have, so he will definitely go around.”
Phearson resumed with a solid fourth to Mazu in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last month and has drawn barrier two for Saturday’s Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m).
A dual Group winner, the seven-year-old struggled for form in the spring but Widdup has been much happier with his attitude this time around.
“Last time in he was a bit erratic and he just wasn’t a happy horse for most of the preparation,” Widdup said.
“He is a very tricky horse but this time through he has been excellent. He’s in a great space at the moment.”
Pending Phearson’s performance at Gosford, the gelding could still back-up in the Luskin Star Stakes the following week before options in Sydney and Melbourne are considered.
“We may back up into that, but we’ll get through Saturday first,” Widdup said.
“We will probably keep him here in Sydney, maybe look at a race in Melbourne more than Queensland. We will just try to pick off races through the winter and see what happens.
“But the way he is at the moment, I’m very happy with him.”
The Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) has attracted a handy field that includes first-up Sapphire Stakes winner Infancy and Godolphin duo Spacewalk and Pereille.
