The 2016 John Dillon Stakes nominations have been released and the talented Amorino is a chance to return to the races in the Listed event at Caulfield on January 26.
Amorino is set to return to the races in the 2016 John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield on Australia Day. Photo by: Adrienne Bicknell
Amorino joined the stable of Archie Alexander at the start of 2015 and she has gone to another level under the care of his new trainer.
The Snitzel gelding made a slow start in his first three starts for Alexander, which included a sixth place finish behind Reparations in the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m), but he produced an improved performance when third in the Lawn Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on February 21.
Amorino recorded a maiden win at Group level in the TAB Rewards Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on March 7 and he proved that was no fluke when he took out the Listed My Kitchen Rules Stakes (1400m) at the same venue on March 14 and the Listed Anniversary Vase (1400m) on April 18.
He started his 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a close fifth behind Churchill Dancer in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 12 and he was sent to the spelling paddock after he finished 11th behind Stratum Star in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 26.
The Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) is always a key lead-up race to the John Dillon Stakes and that is set to be the case again in 2016, with Tudor a chance to become the first horse since Danzylum in 2011
Tudor led from start to finish to record an upset win in the Chester Manifold Stakes and he could take on the likes of Tried And Tired, Zupacharged, Noela’s Choice and Decircles in the John Dillion Stakes.
One of the most interesting horses in the 2016 John Dillion Stakes nominations is the in-form Durendal.
Durendal has recorded three wins from his past three starts and he took out the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day, but he has been included in the 2016 Australia Stakes field and he is unlikely to contest the John Dillion Stakes.
Other interesting horses in the 2016 John Dillion Stakes nominations included South Australian galloper Baligari, last start winner Duke Of Brunswick, imported stayer Lord Van Percy, Team Freedman-trained Nicoscene, veteran stayer Tudor, Tony McEvoy-trained Underestimation and the lowly-rated Judges.
