Calaverite To Return in Widden Stakes

A brilliant first-up winner at Royal Randwick on October 4th before immediately returning to the paddock, lead Godolphin trainer John O’Shea has revealed classy two-year-old Calaverite will line up for the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1200m) on January 31st without having completed a barrier trial.

Calaverite will return to racing in Group 3 Widden Stakes on January 31st. Photo: Steve Hart

Calaverite will return to racing in Group 3 Widden Stakes on January 31st. Photo: Steve Hart

Jumping from the gates well in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes (1000m), jockey Sam Clipperton settled Calaverite at the tail of the field of eight, receiving a smooth run in transit before displaying an exceptional turn of foot in the final straight to find the line a comfortable half-length in the clear of closest rival and stable mate Igraine.

Having reportedly taken well to her time in the paddock and return to work, O’Shea told TVN he has been thrilled with the form and classy displayed by the Lonhro filly in recent weeks and believes she does not require a final tune-up at Tuesday’s Rosehill Gardens barrier trials.

“She won’t be trialling tomorrow morning now as I think she’s done enough to go straight to the races,” O’Shea said.

“She’ll go to the Widden Stakes – she doesn’t need to trial.”

Sired by renowned Godolphin stallion Lonhro, Calaverite is out of notable Oratorio mare Gold Rocks; saddled by leading Perth trainer Simon Miller and most notably the winner of the 2009 edition on the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m).

Having been set on a path to contest the major Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) following her impressive Gimcrack Stakes debut, Calaverite is currently available at a generous quote of $19 for success in the world’s richest race for two-year-olds with leading online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

Yet to be confirmed for a specific path through the 2015 Autumn Racing Carnival, O’Shea is likely to set a course similar to that contested by 2014 Golden Slipper champion Mossfun, who followed up victory in the Widden Stakes with a commanding win in the Group 2 Silver Slipper (1100m) and second-place finish in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m).

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.