Polanski To Return In The Orr Stakes

Trainer Robbie Laing has confirmed that Polanski will return to racing in the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next Saturday following a strong barrier trial performance at Cranbourne this morning.

Polanski will have the opportunity to race at weight-for-age level during the 2014 Melbourne Festival Of Racing.

Polanski will have the opportunity to race at weight-for-age level during the 2014 Melbourne Festival Of Racing. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Polanski contested the opening trial of the day over 800 metres and showed impressive early speed to finish third behind talented sprinters Lankan Rupee and Unpretentious in the smart time of 46.17 seconds.

Laing told Sky Racing HQ that he was very happy with the trial performance of Polanski and said that he is hopeful that the Victoria Derby winner has taken the step required to be competitive at weight-for-age level during the 2014 Melbourne Festival Of Racing.

“He just finished ahead of horses like Bel Sprinter and for a 2500 metre horse he showed good pace,” Laing said.

“He pulled up terrific and I think that he has improved.

“My preference would have been to trial him over 1000 metres, but he went great.

“He has come back and paced it with the open class sprinters so I think that he has taken the next step.”

Polanski is locked-in to resume in the Orr Stakes on February 8 and Laing said that his performance in the Group 1 event will decide on what path he takes for the remainder of his autumn preparation.

The Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 22 and the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1 are both on the agenda for the Rakti colt, but he is unlikely to press on to the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at the same venue the following Saturday.

“It all depends on how he goes in the Orr,” Laing said.

“If he disappoints he will go back to three-year-old company quick smart.

“He might even run in the Futurity on the way through to the Guineas.

“The preference is the Guineas and it is only a week apart (from the Australian Cup).

“He has raced a week apart on one occasion and had success so he is not weaky, but I wouldn’t want to be doing it too often with him.

“If the Australian Cup was his grand final we would probably go Australian Cup, Australian Guineas and go to the paddock, but the Derby worth $2 million looks pretty tempting.”

Laing will be having his first ever runner in the Orr Stakes since Roman Arch finished 11th behind Perfect Promise in the 2006 edition of the race.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.