Trainer Matt Dale is expecting the inside barrier will boost the chances of Fell Swoop in the Group 1 $750,000 James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10000 (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Fell Swoop, above, has drawn the inside barrier for the Doomben 10,000 at Doomben. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Fell Swoop was caught off the track from a wide barrier but fought on well to be beaten just over a length and a half when fifth to Malaguerra in the Group 1 $500,000 BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben a fortnight ago.
Dale is looking forward to Zac Purton being re-united with Fell Swoop and the highly rated Hong Kong based jockey is certain to give the four year old the run of the race from the pole position.
“We were always going to need luck from barrier ten in the BTC Cup and when you’re four wide without cover in a Group 1 weight-for-age race, you’re going to do it a bit tough,” Dale told The Courier-Mail.
‘‘He just didn’t have the same tactical speed, so from barrier one this time we can ride him wherever he’s comfortable.”
“Zac already has a feel for the horse and his peak career rating came with Zac in the saddle in the T.J. Smith, so hopefully he can repeat that on Saturday.’’
Purton was aboard Fell Swoop when he ran a mighty race when second to the world’s highest rated sprinter Chautauqua in the Group 1 $2.5m Darley T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on day one of ‘The Championships’ on April 2.
Two starts prior the Canberra sprinter was beaten a nose when second to Flamberge in the Group 1 $500,000 Clamms Seafood Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 27.
Fell Swoop has already tasted success during the Brisbane Winter Carnival when he beat Didntcostalot and Artlee in the Group 2 $200,000 National Fire Industry Association QLD Victory Stakes (1200m) at Doomben April 30.
Betting at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Doomben 10,000 has Fell Swoop sharing the second line at $5 with the Chris Waller trained Delectation behind the short priced $2.80 favourite Azkadellia.
The Ciaron Maher trained mare has been freshened up since winning the Group 1 $1m The Coolmore Legacy Stakes (Queen Of The Turf Stakes) (1600m) at Randwick on day two of ‘The Championships’ on April 9 and the reports are that she has thrived since coming to Queensland.
Doomben 10000 market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.80 Azkadellia, $5 Delectation, Fell Swoop, $6 Dothraki, $7 Music Magnate, $19 Charlie Boy, $21 Two Blue, Hooked, $26 Scarlet Billows.
