Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell has never had grandiose plans for imported stayer Swacadelic.
Purcell’s happy to pick up the odd staying race and since arriving in 2015 Swacadelic has proven a good money spinner collecting more than $500,000 in prize money.
He’ll attempt to add another $120,000 on Saturday when he runs in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington.
Saturday’s race is one of only two 3200m handicaps run at Flemington.
The other, November’s Melbourne Cup, is a bridge too far for Swacadelic.
The rising eight-year-old has had four tries at the 3200m trip and hasn’t finished further back than fifth.
He’s run second in the past two Sandown Cups, run 11 days after the Melbourne Cup.
He finished fourth to Glorious Sinndar in the Ramsden Stakes in 2016 after earlier that year he finished fifth to Purple Smile in the Adelaide Cup, his first try at the trip.
“He drew a bad barrier in the Adelaide Cup which probably cost him as well,” Purcell said.
“He’s due for a win, so hopefully it’s Saturday.
“He’s up in the weights again which is a bit unfortunate but he’s going well and he’ll run well for sure.”
Swacadelic carries 57kg on Saturday after having topweight of 60kg in the race two years ago while Self Sense is lumbered with 60kg this year.
Purcell, who has been back at his Warrnambool base for six weeks after taking charge of Ciaron Maher’s Caulfield stable for six months, says Swacadelic has had a perfect lead up for Saturday’s race.
The gelding stepped out first-up in the 2000m Stawell Cup in early April before winning the Terang Cup in heavy going on April 15.
He then got too far out of his ground when fourth to Gallic Chieftain in his home town Cup on May 3.
“He didn’t draw very well in the Warrnambool Cup and ended up probably too far back, but he ran on well,” Purcell said.
“He’s trained on well since that run, I think he’s improved a bit further, so he’s definitely a good chance on Saturday.”
Jordan Childs, who has been aboard the gelding in his three runs this campaign, has the ride again.
