Trainer Gerald Ryan has revealed that classy stable mates Menari and Chauffeur are likely to meet for the first time in Saturday’s Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
Gerald Ryan is set to saddle Menari and Chauffeur in Saturday’s Todman Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Daniel Costello
Both Menari and Chauffeur have contested only a handful of starts so far, but the colts have made their way towards the 2017 Todman Stakes in vastly different ways and will go head-to-head for the first time competitively in the two-year-old feature.
Having each been set for an appearance in the 2017 Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 18th, Ryan said that the two horses’ respective syndicates do not mind facing off in the Todman Stakes and he is confident they are both ready to perform in the race.
“It is a case of running in the race that suits the horse and doing the best for my owners,’’ Ryan told The Herald Sun.
“Both lots of owners have no issue with racing against each other on Saturday.
“I will nominate both for the Black Opal, too, but at this stage they will be running in the Todman Stakes.”
Menari won two talent-rich barrier trials prior to making his competitive debut and franked that form when he flew home to take out the TAB Rewards Plate (1100m) at Randwick on January 14th.
The Snitzel colt made a successful transition to black type company when second behind Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes runner-up Pariah in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) on January 28th; his most recent competitive point of call.
Chauffeur is also yet to finish outside the minors throughout his three career starts, but has not been seen at the races since early January.
Debuting to win the Schweppes 2yo Handicap (1100m) on December 10th, the son of Snitzel progressed to third in the TAB Plate (1100m) before storming home to finish second behind Houtzen in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast last time out.
The 2017 Todman Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday (March 1st).
Menari is a $2.70 favourite in early Todman Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, while Chauffeur sits on the second line at a $6.50 quote.
