Wolfgang’s campaign hinges on Talindert Stakes
Feature race options remain on the table for Wolfgang, but his performance up the straight at Flemington will determine which path he takes.
The Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans-trained two-year-old is down to run in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.
That performance up the straight will determine whether he backs up into the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 24 or is kept for the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on March 9.
Yeomans said Wolfgang was scratched from the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield last Saturday after drawing the widest gate.
“He drew 10 of 10 so we thought it was too big a task from there, but he’s a very well-travelled, well-seasoned two-year-old now,” Yeomans said.
“At his first start was up the straight we weren’t sure if he handled it and James Mcdonald got off him and said he needed a bend.
“But once he drew wide last Saturday, we thought let’s try him up the straight again and he’s much more experienced and seasoned now.
“Also, if were to win the Talindert, we’ve got the option of thinking about backing up into the Blue Diamond, but if he runs well and hits the line really strongly, then he might kick on to the Sires’ Produce which is also at Flemington.”
In his four starts to date, Cranbourne-trained Wolfgang has raced only once in Victoria but has been successful in Adelaide and Brisbane before finishing last in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast last month.
Yeomans said the colt had recovered from that run where he had muscle soreness and after a freshen up at Aquis Farm in the Gold Coast hinterland is back to his best.
“We thought something went amiss on Magic Millions Day,” Yeomans said.
“His action looked to visibly change around the 600 metres and then he pulled himself up.
“Aquis and us, we went right over him, thoroughly checked his heart and did all the test and all we could find was some muscle soreness.
“He did play up in the gates and got a leg up, so whether he wrenched himself and was feeling that in the run or whether he hit a shifty part of the track, we’re not sure.
“The horse is very sound and well, his work has been good, and travel doesn’t knock him around.”
More Racing News
Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes
Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...
She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...
Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes
Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...
Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention
Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...
Jamie Melham getting used to new name
New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...
The Playwright stars in thrilling finish to win 2025 Widden Stakes
Tulloch Lodge is considering following the same path with The Playwright that led Lady Of Camelot to success 12 months ago, after the filly mirrored her Golden Slipper-winning stablemate by claiming the Widden Stakes. Lady Of Camelot won the fillies’ feature last year before finishing second in the Group 1 Blue...
Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton
Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...
Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks
Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...
Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high
If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...
Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials
Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...