Royal Symphony is likely to bypass the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
Trainer Tony McEvoy’s intention is to run Caulfield Guineas favourite Royal Symphony in the Prelude against his own age despite also nominating him for the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on the same program.
Royal Symphony is unbeaten in four starts and is one of 19 nominations for Sunday’s Group Three Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) for three-year-old colts and geldings.
“My intention is to run him in the three-year-old race,” McEvoy said on Monday.
“I don’t think he’d get a run in the other race anyway with his rating.”
McEvoy said he would prefer to keep the colt against the three-year-olds.
The trainer decided after monitoring Royal Symphony’s recovery from his thrilling win at Flemington last Saturday week in the Listed Pin & Win Plate – his first start for 10 weeks – that he would be best-served racing again over 1400m ahead of the Caulfield Guineas rather than 1600m.
McEvoy also ruled out running the colt in Friday night’s Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Royal Symphony overcame difficulties to win at Flemington last start.
“He just blew a bit hard after 10 weeks between runs as a colt,” McEvoy said.
“There was a couple of nicks and scratches on him from the buffeting that he got but he’s come through the race really well.
“He hasn’t left an oat and he’s lovely and bright.
“He cantered around really nicely this morning and he’s ready to go back to the races.”
Royal Symphony is yet to race at Caulfield but he has been to the track for one exhibition gallop.
He is the $2.80 favourite for the $2 million Caulfield Guineas on October 14.
The Prelude will feature a number of contenders.
“It’s the race that he needs to get him to the Guineas, and of course Caulfield is another challenge for him,” McEvoy said.
“But the guy I’ve got on him, there’s no-one better at Caulfield than Dwayne Dunn.
“I’m looking forward to it, but of course he needs a bit of luck around Caulfield. But they all do.”
