A victory in the Doomben 10,000 would mean more to Mark Newnham than most as the Sydney trainer looks to secure the long-term future of his smart sprinter Splintex.
Newnham confirmed there had been preliminary interest in the son of Snitzel as a stallion prospect and a Group 1 win would significantly boost his stud credentials.
The four-year-old is a winner of six of his 16 starts, his biggest victories coming in last year’s Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) and the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes over the same journey last start.
He was beaten a tick over two lengths when sixth to subsequent Everest winner Classique Legend in The Shorts during the spring and Newnham would love to see the horse lock down his future beyond the racetrack
“He’s a nice horse and he’s got a good record,” Newnham said.
“There is some interest in stud for him at the moment and I’m sure there’d be a lot more if he won a Group One.”
Splintex will travel to Brisbane during the week and will be partnered by regular rider Josh Parr.
Newnham said the barrier draw would be crucial to Splintex’s chances and he is hoping the on-pace sprinter can secure a low marble.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a Group One or a maiden, barrier draws over 1200 at Doomben are vital,” Newnham said.
“He’s got good gate speed but you generally need to draw one to eight, that would be ideal.
“I’m really happy with him. Josh had a ride on him on Tuesday, that was his first bit of fast work since he won the Hall Mark and he’s ticking along pretty well.
“He’s fit and well and he generally runs well when he’s like that.”
Splintex is a $13 chance in TAB fixed odds markets which are headed by fellow Sydney sprinter Eduardo ($2.80 fav), who will also travel to Queensland later this week.
