Adrian Bott can’t split G1 Spring Champion Stakes contenders
![](https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Raf-Attack-141023-4758-734x460.jpg)
Tulloch Lodge stablemates Raf Attack and Ganbare have had a reversal of fortunes in the Spring Champion Stakes barrier draw and Adrian Bott expects it to better suit the racing styles of both colts.
Raf Attack ran his rivals ragged when leading throughout from a low draw in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) last start while Ganbare, an impressive winner of the Dulcify Quality (1600m) at his previous appearance, had a torrid run from a wide gate to finish midfield.
The latter has barrier four in Saturday’s Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) while Raf Attack will jump from 11, Bott viewing their respective draws as ideal.
“It probably suits them both better in fairness,” Bott said.
“Raf Attack has got natural tactical speed and is that go-forward type of horse, so he will be able to roll forward from that outside draw which is what he likes to do.
“The softer draw helps Ganbare’s chances as well.
“He was caught wide throughout last start and that made it difficult for him, but I thought he stuck on well considering. Go back the start before and it was a very strong win over the mile.”
Both Raf Attack and Ganbare are bred to run at least a middle distance.
Raf Attack is by Satono Aladdin, the sire of dual Oaks winner Pennyweka, while Ganbare is a son of Maurice and his maternal grand-dam Bianca won a Newcastle Cup and finished runner-up in a Metropolitan.
Bott has yet to win a Spring Champion, Hampton Court in 2014 being the last victor for Tulloch Lodge when Gai Waterhouse was training solo.
However, he believes this year is the stable’s best chance since he joined the yard during the 2016-17 season.
“Hampton Court was the last one, we ran second with Never Been Kissed backing up from the Flight Stakes (in 2021),” Bott said.
“But these are the two that have had the long-range plan for this and have been that profile all the way through.
“They’re tough to split. We’re in a nice position with two really good chances.”
Bott confirmed both Raf Attack and Ganbare could back up in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington seven days later if they performed well on Saturday.
More Racing News
Skybird scores emphatic G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes win
The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning was expected to be a showcase for three-year-old colts, but it was the fillies who stole the show in the 1000m sprint at Flemington. Chris Waller’s Switzerland was the clear $2.45 favourite with betting apps, while Growing Empire was also well-supported at $3.80. Despite their strong...
Lady Shenandoah brilliant in G2 Light Fingers Stakes return
Lady Shenandoah made a stunning return to racing, claiming victory in the Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick in dominant fashion, setting up a potential clash with her undefeated stablemate, Autumn Glow. Although she won by 1-1/4 lengths over Golden Slipper champion Lady Of Camelot, her effortless acceleration suggested there was more...
Fangirl upstages star pair in G2 Apollo Stakes
The Group Two Apollo Stakes was billed as a battle between Cox Plate winner Via Sistina and emerging star Ceolwulf, but it was the experienced Fangirl who stole the show with a dominant performance at Randwick. As the favored pair kept close tabs on each other, Jason Collett seized the opportunity...
Sepals races into G1 Australian Guineas contention
A potential move to Hong Kong fell through for Sepals after failing a vet test, but that setback may turn into an opportunity for Group 1 glory in Australia. Interest in the talented gelding surged after his maiden win at Sale last month, with further offers coming in following his triumph...
2025 Golden Slipper dream alive for connections of Shaggy
Wyong trainer Allan Kehoe was so ecstatic after Shaggy’s dominant win in the Listed Pierro Plate at Randwick that he nearly celebrated in unconventional fashion. “I was that excited, I could have done a nude run,” Kehoe laughed. His excitement was well justified as the two-year-old produced a powerful front-running display, shifting...
Begg’s mare Magic in the Expressway Stakes
The script didn’t go to plan, but Magic Time still kicked off her autumn campaign in style, unleashing a blistering turn of foot to claim the Expressway Stakes at Randwick. The Grahame Begg-trained mare didn’t begin as sharply as expected, settling worse than midfield and finding herself boxed in with nowhere...
Colts share honours in Talindert Stakes at Flemington
The Lindsay Park team and the training partnership of Anthony and Sam Freedman shared the spoils in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, with both stables now weighing up a tilt at Victoria’s richest two-year-old race at Caulfield next week. The Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) is firmly on...
Freedman still learning about European sprinter ahead of Expressway Stakes
Michael Freedman openly acknowledges that he remains uncertain about what to expect from his latest acquisition, Givemethebeatboys, as the former European sprinter prepares for his Australian debut in theExpressway Stakes at Randwick. While imported racehorses have become a common sight in Australian racing, most are typically middle-distance or staying types rather...
Unbeaten Baker filly ready to go Boom in the Light Fingers Stakes
Twelve months after Stefi Magnetica showcased her potential with an impressive fourth-place finish in the Light Fingers Stakes, trainer Bjorn Baker is hoping to unveil another rising star in the same event. Dance To The Boom is set to make her debut at Group level in Saturday’s edition of the fillies’...
Ad Astra out to break maiden status
Trainer Michael Hickmott is hoping for a change of luck this Saturday as his promising filly Ad Astra continues to battle against unfavorable barrier draws. Set to contest the Sportsbet Fast Form Maiden Plate (1000m) on the Morphettville Parks track, Ad Astra has once again landed a wide gate. However, Hickmott...