The reasons for Siragusa’s behaviour on the second day of The Championships remains a mystery, but co-trainer Rob Archibald is hoping the horse can put the experience behind him and get his campaign back on track.
A $10 chance for the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) on April 11, Siragusa refused to jump when the gates opened then dislodged jockey Craig Williams from the saddle and took no part in the race.
“I don’t know what happened. It was a bit of a head scratcher,” Archibald said.
“Craig said he just jumped a bit awkward then ducked out. But he has trialled since and he was fine.”
The son of I Am Invincible had posted consecutive wins to start his career, scoring by three lengths at Tamworth in January and a similar margin at Muswellbrook in March.
Archibald and his training partner, wife Annabel, saw enough merit in those performances to give the three-year-old a shot at stakes grade and while it didn’t go to plan, Rob Archibald hoped the horse could redeem himself in Saturday’s The Last Post Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.
“He seems talented, albeit he’s won at Tamworth and Muswellbrook,” he said.
“We’re learning about him all the time and we’re just trying build him up to take him through his grades, but he’s certainly one we like.
“He’s definitely got ability, so I’m looking forward to seeing him develop.
“It was a hiccup the other day, but I’m confident he can bounce back on Saturday.”
The stable has the lightly raced Seastraand in the same race for prominent owner Gerry Harvey, who also has a stake in Siragusa, while OTI Racing three-year-old Hillier will add interest to the meeting if he takes his place in the Australian Flying Corps Handicap (1200m).
Placed at Group 2 level in Melbourne last spring, Hillier finished fifth from a wide draw in Autumn Boy’s Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and it’s another tough barrier that has Archibald in two minds about starting him off at Randwick.
“I’m not sure. He has drawn a bit sticky,” he said.
“We’ll have a good look at the race and potentially wait a week. But I’ve been really happy with his trials. He seems to have come back in good order so I’m keen to get him started.”
