Robbie Griffiths doubts whether The Quarterback is getting enough weight from established Group One stars in the Newmarket Handicap but the trainer hopes a return to his favourite track will help his cause.
The Quarterback has 52kg in Saturday’s Group One 1200m-sprint at Flemington with two-time Newmarket-winning jockey Craig Newitt to ride.
Triple Group One winner Chautauqua has 58kg with 2014 Darley Classic winner Terravista to carry 56.5kg and Coolmore Stud Stakes-winning three-year-old Japonisme 52.5kg.
That trio fought out a thrilling Lightning Stakes at Flemington last month with Chautauqua a narrow winner over Terravista and Japonime third.
“It’s a relatively compressed scale so he probably needs more relief than he’s got, but it is what it is,” Griffiths said.
“We’ve just got to deal with that and hope that there’s enough in him to rise to the occasion.”
The Quarterback pleased Griffiths with his last-start sixth in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.
After settling last, The Quarterback reeled off the fastest closing splits in the race to finish two lengths from the winner Flamberge.
“I thought his closing sectionals were fantastic and I think his form at Flemington is outstanding,” Griffiths said.
“Going back to that track that he’s had such a good record at, and the extra 100 metres on top of the Oakleigh Plate, you’d think it should be a really good race for him to run well in.
“The hardest part is it’s hard to be super confident in a Newmarket because of the strength of the race.”
The Quarterback has three 1000m wins down the Flemington straight, including two at Listed level.
“I’ve always thought now he’s a bit older the 1200 down the straight at Flemington in a Newmarket with a light weight would always be probably his best chance at a big race in Melbourne,” Griffiths said.
“Hopefully it works out like that. It’s a crackerjack race with those superstars in it, but that’s what Newmarkets get in them.”
Chautauqua is the $2.50 favourite ahead of Japonisme ($4.50), Terravista ($6) and Darley Classic winner Delectation ($8).
The Quarterback is at $26 with acceptances taken on Wednesday.
