The spring marked a resurgence in the Group One fortunes of Guy Walter with Streama and Doctor Doom giving the trainer a memorable afternoon with respective wins in the Flight and Spring Champion Stakes.
Walter and his owners resisted the temptation to tackle the Melbourne carnival and the two were sent to the spelling paddock with the autumn in mind.
They have both pleased the trainer in barrier trials in recent weeks and are ready to begin their campaigns over 1200 metres at Warwick Farm on Saturday where Streama runs in the Light Fingers Stakes and Doctor Doom the Royal Sovereign Stakes.
“Doctor Doom’s aim is the Rosehill Guineas and then the Australian Derby and obviously he will be better over further,” Walter said.
“Streama will also be better once she gets up to 1400 metres but I’m pleased with her and expect her to go well first-up.
“Hugh Bowman will ride Streama while Rodney Quinn will be on Doctor Doom.”
Streama’s targets include the Coolmore Classic (1500m) and the Doncaster Mile which could mean a clash with the unbeaten Atlantic Jewel.
The Mark Kavanagh-trained Thousand Guineas winner is back in work after injury forced her to miss the VRC Oaks.
With a late start to her preparation, Kavanagh has indicated the Sydney carnival will be the aim for Atlantic Jewel.
Streama has won four from eight and has a victory and a third from her two starts on wet ground, conditions she is likely to encounter with rain forecast in Sydney for most of the week.
Bowman will also ride the Walter-trained Hood on Saturday.
A half brother to 13-time Group One winner Tie The Knot, Hood is also raced by breeder Sandy Tait and his sister Jill Nivison.
Similarities to his elder sibling are few with Hood now a front running sprinter after efforts to put him over more ground early in his career failed.
“He has done well and will run over 1300 metres,” Walter said.
The trainer was encouraged by Al Dhafra’s fourth to Star Of Octagonal at Rosehill on Saturday where finished less than two lengths behind the winner.
Al Dhafra created a huge impression winning five races as a three-year-old in late 2009 and early 2010 including the Listed Carbine Cub Stakes (1600m) in which Hood was fourth.
His owners knocked back a seven figure offer from Hong Kong but injury forced him off the scene for a year.
His form in the late spring and early summer was disappointing but there were good signs at Rosehill.
“He showed a glimpse, just a glimpse, of his previous form,” Walter said.
“We won’t get carried away but it was pleasing.”
AAP TURF
