Horses are turning almost continuously on the tight 1595 metre Stawell circuit.
Wide draw means Platinum Spirit will need a little luck on small, turning Stawell circuit
By Barry Lichter • 15 April 2022
Had Platinum Spirit drawn well at Stawell on Sunday, trainer Kathryn Durden says she’d be rating him a very good each way chance.
Drawn two from the outside on the turning 1595 metre circuit he will need some luck but, with the right run, he can still be in it.
Durden takes Platinum Spirit to Stawell, 220km west of Melbourne, for his second run in Australia, buoyed by his campagn opener at Mornington two weeks ago when he was beaten a nose.
But while she says he is well up to the rating 64 opposition, and will be suited by the rise in distance from 2400 metres to 2700, his task has been made much harder by drawing so wide.
“They generally go quick early to get a position and in his first start for me he didn’t show much gate speed. It can be difficult to make ground on this track, especially if you’re caught back in the field.”
At Stawell, which has a circumference of only 1595 metres, with a short back straight and 250 metre home straight, horses are turning most of the way.
“Depending on what sort of run he gets he’s still an each way chance but it will be harder from the barrier.”
Only the bob of the head beat Platinum Spirit at Mornington.Durden says Platinum Spirit arrived from Lisa Latta’s stable in very fit conditon, after contesting the Wellington Cup, and had a two-week freshen up.
“I’m really happy with the horse, he’s bright and well and is a good eater. And he’ll naturally benefit from the Mornington run, his first for two months.
“He was a bit stiff there. The idea was to go forward but he dwelt slightly at the start and got back in the field. He was very tough, though, and got beaten only by the bob of the head.”
Durden believes the opposition won’t hold any fears for Platinum Spirit in the sixth race on Sunday, run for A$35,000.
“He’s absolutely up to the field and the 2700 metres is perfect for him. I can only judge him on one run here but on his New Zealand form he looks a real stayer. I think the 3000 metre races at Sandown and Moonee Valley will be right up his alley.”
Jarrod Fry takes the mount at 6pm NZ time.
Platinum Spirit races at Stawell at 6pm NZ time on Sunday.
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“He’s drawn beautifully in barrier one with top hoop Kevin Stott to ride and he’s fitter for his three runs back. I think he’ll race very well and is a nice each-way chance. But it’s a very good field - the favouritre Arabian Songbird they think is one out of the box and my other horse Bourbon Empress is also going very well. Put him in your trifectas and first fours. I think he’ll be right there.”