Idyllic Double in Goodwood Sprint
- Thursday, 20 August 2009 00:00
The Scenic gelding warmed up for Saturday's assignment with a brilliant trial win at Belmont Park last Monday and has come up with the inside barrier for the weight for age contest on Saturday.
Idyllic Prince won last years renewal of the Goodwood Sprint when racing first up after two trials and prior to those hit-outs, had not raced since finishing toward the back of the field in the Railway Stakes won by El Presidente in 2007.
Taylor had aimed Idyllic Prince at a winter campaign this year which has resulted in fourths to Grand Nirvana in the Bolton Sprint and the G3 Roma Cup, an unplaced run behind Universal Ruler in the Belmont Sprint and a last start 3rd to McLurch at Belmont on June 24.
The 33rd running of the Goodwood Sprint also heralds the return of star galloper Megatic who has not been out since narrowly losing the Bolton Sprint with 60 kg, conceding the winner Grand Nirvana 7 kg.
Guyno, second in the race last year to Idyllic Prince, resumes after his last start sixth to Roman Time in the York Stakes (1600 metres) on June 27.
Last year Guyno worked home late to finish one length behind Idyllic Prince before he jetted off on his Eastern States campaign, which culminated with a gutsy 12th in the Melbourne Cup behind Viewed.
Frank Maynard will have Escadaire warming up nicely for the Hannan's Handicap on September 16, but the strongly built gelding will not be suited as well at WFA, as he was at his last start win in the Belmont Newmarket under handicap conditions.
However, Foxy Boy and Beat The Strom will still have to find plenty under the set weight conditions and Escadaire should at least have their measure.
Media Release - Perth Racing
