Untapped Thankgodyou’rehere has been confirmed for a Group One return in what promises to be a defining campaign for the sprinter-miler.
Thankgodyou’rehere will take his place against against 12 rivals in the $350,000 Galaxy (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday after a better-than-expected trial outcome this week.
The five-year-old never got off the bit in winning an 830-metre Randwick barrier trial on Monday, convincing his trainers to bring forward a 2011 return.
“He probably didn’t beat much (in the trial) but he did everything we asked him to do,” co-trainer Pat Webster said.
“It was always in our plans to trial on Monday then wait for the Heritage Stakes a fortnight later.
“But when he trialled like he did we started thinking why not have a have a go at the Galaxy.
“It’s a Group One on his home track.”
Thankgodyou’rehere has been off the scene since his Hawkesbury Cup victory on November 4.
It was his seventh win from 11 starts and Webster and his training partner, his son Wayne, immediately mapped out Brisbane winter plans.
“Brisbane has been in our sights all along but I wouldn’t say no to winning a Galaxy along the way,” Webster Snr said.
“The good thing about (Saturday’s race) is that we don’t have to do anything with him between now and the race … it’s all been done.”
Thankgodyou’rehere is one of five horses weighted on the minimum 51kg but veteran jockey Rod Quinn is expected to apply to ride the gelding 0.5kg over.
The Galaxy field includes five Victorian-trained sprinters, headed by David Hayes’ Oakleigh Plate winner Eagle Falls.
Eagle Falls, who will have a lugging bit applied for his first Sydney start, is the only Group One winner in the race but he will be in receipt of 0.5kg from topweight Swift Alliance.
Swift Alliance’s best Group One result so far came in last year’s edition when he was promoted to second after Ortensia’s disqualification because of a positive swab.
Ortensia will line up again on Saturday after pleasing trainer Tony Noonan with her final piece of work at Rosehill on Wednesday morning.
Solar Charged, who will be trying to emulate her sire Charge Forward’s 2005 Galaxy win, will race in winkers for the first time.
AAP TURF
