Trapeze Artist will be given the chance to become just the second Black Opal Stakes winner to claim the Golden Slipper.
Catbird in 1999 is the only two-year-old to do the double but trainer Gerald Ryan and owner Bert Viera could not resist the lure of the $3.5 million race after Trapeze Artist’s dominant win on Sunday in Canberra.
It has cost Viera a $150,000 late entry fee to put him in the Golden Slipper while the Ryan stable could have four runners on Saturday week.
If Condor Heroes is going to be in that group he needs to win the Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
“We could have four Slipper runners but a couple are struggling to get in,” Ryan said.
“Chauffeur was a bit disappointing in the Black Opal.
“He missed the kick but may have died on his run. Menari has bounced back from Saturday but he is also borderline to get a start.”
Menari started favourite in the Todman Stakes but weakened on the heavy track to finish fifth to Gunnison while Chauffeur filled the same position in Sunday’s Black Opal as favourite.
Condor Heroes finished second to Khan in the Breeders’ Plate at his only start in October.
The colt is at $3.60 with Sportsbet.com.au for the Pago Pago and being shaded for favouritism by Ducimus at $3.50.
The Ryan-trained Albumin is a $7 chance in the Pago Pago but there are no thoughts of the Slipper with him.
The Tim Martin-trained Limbo Soul is favourite for the Magic Night Stakes for fillies.
Houtzen and She Will Reign are the equal $4 favourites for the Golden Slipper Stakes ahead of Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy at $9.
