David Pfieffer thinks he has found the ideal race for ex-Godolphin galloper Plague Stone, who returns from a short break in the Sharp Extensive It Handicap at Rosehill.
Pfieffer said his only concern was a wide barrier in 10 but everything else was on track for the five-year-old’s return over 1100 metres on Saturday.
The dual Listed winner was picked up by Pfieffer at the 2020 Magic Millions tried horses sale last winter but after trialling well, the son of Lonhro produced two ordinary performances in Brisbane in December.
“He was in great order but things just didn’t go to plan in Brisbane so we gave him a let-up,” Pfieffer said.
“He’s a horse that really needs some sting out of the track so we’ve been waiting for a suitable race and conditions.”
The Warwick Farm trainer, who recently enjoyed success with Rocketing By in the Inglis Sprint, said Plague Stone had worked solidly this week and was ready to go again.
“It’s not the barrier we wanted but it’s the right trip and he’ll be right at home in the wet,” Pfieffer said.
Champion jockey Nash Rawiller has been engaged to ride the gelding.
Pfeiffer has a knack for getting the best out of ex-Godolphin horses.
Stable stalwart Ghostly, also a former Godolphin member by champion Lonhro, has won over $250,000 in prize money for connections since he was purchased as a tried horse.
“We’ve done quite well with the ex-Godolphin horses,” Pfieffer said.
“They do a great job with them but they have to move a lot of horses along and it’s about picking the right one you can work with.”
Pfieffer said emerging colt Rocketing By, who upstaged a crack field of three-year-olds to win the Inglis Sprint earlier this month, would head to Melbourne next week to run in the $500,000 Inglis Dash at Flemington.
“He’s an exciting horse with a very big future in front of him,” Pfeiffer said.
“We can’t wait for next week.”
