Shades the key for Ringerdingding
Trainer Ed O'Rourke hoped the application of blinkers will make the difference for his promising colt Ringerdingding (Sebring {Aus}) in the G3 San Domenico S. at Rosehill on Saturday.
Ringerdingding was beaten less than two lengths in his first-up run in the Listed Rosebud S. but O'Rourke admitted that the decision to remove the blinkers ahead of that run may have been costly,
"He probably raced a bit greenly last time in between horses," O'Rourke told Sky Radio. "I think with them back on it will make things easier for Tim (Clark) to get him where he wants to."
"He's a very nice colt, but he lacks confidence sometimes."
O'Rourke admits Saturday's race is a step up for his three-year-old but he feels he can be competitive, especially if there's any rain ahead of the race.
Ringerdingding is from the family of champion mare Flitter and cost $170,000 at the 2017 Melbourne Premier Sale.
Super sprinting chance for mare
The tight-turning Moonee Valley track will offer the short course specialist Super Too (Hinchinbrook {Aus}) a good opportunity to break through for her first black type success in Saturday’s Listed Carlyon S.
Already a winner on the track, the five-year-old has trialled well ahead of the 1000 metre dash and ran second at Warwick Farm behind The Everest contender Invincible Star (Invincible Spirit {IRE}).
Trainer Marc Connors said Super Too, who will be ridden by Damien Oliver, was well in with 54kg and expected her to be able to cross the field from the outside gate to take up her customary front-running role.
A sister to the former champion Singapore 2-year-old Super One, the mare boasts a strong sprinting pedigree that features the G1 Royal Ascot Golden Jubilee S., winner Les Arc (USA) (Arch {USA}).
Change in Easter sales format for Inglis
Inglis has confirmed that its signature Easter Sale will have a change of format from 2019.
The Easter Yearling Sale will take place over three days from April 8 to April 10, but there will be just one book as opposed to previous years where they have split the yearling offerings into two books.
The Chairman's Sale and the National Broodmare and Weanling Sale will take place later then has traditional been the case, in early May after Inglis consulted with several stakeholders in recent weeks.
Marcel set for Guineas
Unbeaten Marcel From Madrid (Sepoy {Aus}) begins his progression to the Caulfield Guineas in Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra trained 3-year-old won both his starts in the autumn but faces a tough task against ruling Guineas favourite Brutal first-up voe the 1200m.
Zahra told RSN, he wants to see Marcel From Madrid learn to relax better in his races.
“Our goal at this stage is getting him to the Guineas," Zahra said. “We’ll just be guided by him. I think in time the mile won’t be an issue for him, but we are just hoping he puts his head down this time and can relax for us. If he can do that the Guineas looks a nice race for him."
Marcel From Madrid was bought for $58,000 at the 2017 Classic Sale and his dam Lipari is a daughter of G1 Oaks-winning mare Tully Thunder.
Stable staying positive
Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman remain hopeful of starts in the G1 Tarzino Trophy on Saturday week for Francaletta (High Chaparral {IRE}) and New York Minute (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}).
The former is 19th in order of entry for the Hawke’s Bay feature while New York Minute is two spots further back.
The winner of six of her 12 starts, Francaletta finished fourth when resuming in the G2 Foxbridge Plate and, if she misses the Tarzino, may head straight to the Melbourne spring carnival.
The stable will, however, have one of the leading lights at Hawke’s Bay in Jon Snow (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who has trialled well at both Te Teko and Taupo this month.
Trio enter quarantine
Three Godolphin representatives have gone into quarantine in England ahead of their trip to Australia for the Melbourne spring carnival.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Group One winners Folkswood (GB) (Exceed And Excel), Blair House (IRE) (Pivotal {GB}) and Jungle Cat (IRE) (Iffraaj {GB}) will arrive on September 8 and go straight to the Werribee facility.
The two main shipments from overseas are expected in Melbourne on September 29 and October 13.
Jungle Cat and Folkswood, are expected to run at Caulfield on September 22 with the former to contest the G1 Rupert Clarke S., and Folkswood the G3., Naturalism with the winner guaranteed a start in the G1 Caulfield Cup.
Blair House will run in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) ahead of a tilt at the G1 Cox Plate.
