Katsu aiming towards G1 Oakleigh Plate contest
![](https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Katsu_29-04-2023_WIN_Sandown_6__716-734x460.jpg)
Trainer Grahame Begg is beginning to see the development in Katsu that could lead the gelding to a Group 1 sprint in the autumn.
The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) next month is in the back of Begg’s mind, but first the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on Friday needs to be run and won.
Victory in Friday’s race provides the winner with a ballot exemption into the Oakleigh Plate on February 24.
Katsu has won five of his 10 starts to date but has been his own worst enemy by wanting to overdo things in his races.
With maturity, Katsu is beginning to overcome those bad traits, however Begg is far from declaring the gelding the finished product, just yet.
Begg saw signs in Katsu when successful in the Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on December 20, and again in a Cranbourne jump-out on January 15.
“He’s still a work in progress with the way he goes about things, but we think he’s really starting to turn the corner in the way he’s training at home,” Begg said.
“But I want him to see him do it again. He was very controlled in the race, the way he went about it, and he was the same in the jump-out, and he’s training like it as well.
“We’ve always had a high opinion of the horse.
“That particular day (at Flemington), the way the wind was, the way the track was playing, we drew an inside gate, we thought it would be very hard for him to get to the right position, but he went super.
“He’s come on really well and I’m expecting a good showing from him again.”
Begg said the space between the Kensington Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate was too great for a sprinter like Katsu and the conditions of Friday’s race suits Katsu perfectly.
“This is a win and you’re in,” Begg said.
“It’s a long time to go a couple of months between runs.
“He won just before Christmas, and this looked the next logical to target, especially with this race and with the win and you’re in.
“It’s very inviting.”
More Racing News
Skybird out to upset Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 2025
Skybird may be one of the outsiders in Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning, but if trainer Mitch Freedman gives the green light, she will be continuing a strong family tradition in the prestigious 1000m Group 1 event at Flemington. The Ballarat-based trainer is still considering whether the Lightning Stakes or next week’s...
Sepals tackles the CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington
Race programming can often be a significant challenge for horse trainers. Finding suitable races for promising horses to progress through the grades and accumulate prize money for their owners isn’t always straightforward. At times, trainers are left with no choice but to enter their horses in tougher races than ideal. This...
G1 Golden Slipper aspirations on the line at Randwick
With the Golden Slipper now just five weeks away, anticipation is building for the southern hemisphere’s richest two-year-old race. Several promising juveniles will be looking to make their mark at Randwick this weekend. Among the 11 competitors in the Pierro Plate (1100m), three contenders are currently listed at $26 with betting...
Fancify chasing more Flemington glory in Frances Tressady Stakes
Trainer Michael Hickmott is eager to build upon the impressive track record of Fancify as she prepares to compete in a Stakes event at Flemington. With seven victories from 14 career starts, Fancify has established a strong affinity with Flemington, boasting two wins and a runner-up finish in her three appearances...
Maher team chase important G1 win in Black Caviar Lightning Stakes
The Ciaron Maher stable is eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown between their promising three-year-old, Growing Empire, and the highly regarded colt from New South Wales, Switzerland. The two last crossed paths during the spring carnival, where Switzerland claimed victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, leaving Growing...
Wide draw an unwanted barrier for Manaal in the Light Fingers Stakes
A sparse spring and an extended break have provided an ideal foundation for standout filly Manaal to make her presence felt in the Sydney autumn carnival, beginning with the Light Fingers Stakes. With owners Emirates Park eager to keep the three-year-old in racing beyond this season, trainer Michael Freedman decided to...
G1 Tancred Stakes a target for trouble-free Arapaho
Staying talent Arapaho may not be expected to challenge frontrunners like Via Sistina and Ceolwulf in his season opener at the Apollo Stakes, but trainer Bjorn Baker remains positive about his long-term campaign. After a difficult 18 months following his 2023 Tancred Stakes victory, Arapaho returned to form last spring, closing...
Magic Time read to go in the Expressway Stakes
With six career victories and over $2.6 million in prize earnings, Magic Time has proven to be an exceptional mare. Trainer Grahame Begg is convinced she has returned to the stables in even better shape. The dual Group 1 winner is set to launch her latest campaign in the Expressway Stakes...
Watson plans to Storm Away with the Magic Millions WA Classic
Storm Away delivered a strong first-up performance on debut at Ascot last Saturday. Trained by Mitchell Pateman, the gelding finished second but left a lasting impression despite the narrow defeat. After breaking slowly and racing wide, he surged to the front but was edged out by Monte Tremezzo by a long head. A...
Seven internationals entered for Sydney autumn carnival
Maestro trainer William Haggas is once again setting his sights on Sydney’s prestigious autumn carnival, nominating three of his top runners, including the seasoned Group 1 campaigner, Dubai Honour. Haggas’ trio is part of a strong international contingent, with a total of seven overseas horses being aimed at marquee events. These...