Trainer John O’Shea was thrilled with the results posted by talented colt Sweynesse over the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and has revealed he will be set on the traditional path for three-year-old stayers through the Autumn Carnival, beginning with the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 21st.
Sweynesse will be set on the traditional three-year-old stayers path through the Autumn Carnival. Photo: Steve Hart
Finishing outside the place just once in his six start career so far, Sweynesse has not been seen at the races since running a credible eighth in the featured Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25th; an event for which he posted the fastest time of all runners over the final furlong and finished two lengths off the pace of champion Adelaide.
Having reportedly taken well to his time in the paddock, O’Shea told TVN the son of Lonhro has displayed good form since returning to work and will progress to the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) following his Hobartville Stakes resumption.
“He’s come back very well after his break,” O’Shea said.
“He will follow the traditional path – Hobartville Stakes into the Randwick Guineas and the Rosehill Guineas.
“We’ll see where he’s at before making any further decisions.”
Understandably pleased with Sweynesse’s ability to overcome a poor running position and several Group 1 winners in his maiden appearance in open company, O’Shea is confident his performance in the Cox Plate points towards a successful run through the Autumn Carnival.
“He was beaten less than two lengths and had little luck in the straight, he said.
“We thought he deserved his place in the field and was definitely not out of place in the race – the result vindicates that decision.”
Comfortably taking out the Blue Gum Forest Plate (1400m) on debut in May before immediately returning to the paddock, Sweynesse stamped his claims as one to watch over spring when claiming victory in a minor over 1400m first-up on August 30th; making a successful transition to black type racing when winning each of the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m).
Having placed third in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in his only other start prior to the Cox Plate, Sweynesse has been confirmed to line up for a 900m barrier trial on Tuesday morning.
A likely contestant should his early season form warrant a berth, Sweynesse is currently available at a quote of $7.50 for success in the 2015 Australian Derby (2400m) with leading online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
