Trainer Chris Waller is happy with Preferment heading into the 2015 Royal Randwick Guineas, but be believes that the 1600 metres of the Group 1 event is far too short for the talented stayer.
Preferment outstayed his opposition to win the 2014 edition of the Victoria Derby. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett
Preferment was sent to the spelling paddock following his memorable win in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2400m) at Flemington on November 1 and he was given two quite barrier trials at Warwick Farm on January 27 and February 9 before he returned to racing in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 21.
The Zabeel colt was very slow out of the gates in the Hobartville Stakes and he was settled at the tail of the field, but he was able to hit the line strongly without ever looking like a better chance.
Waller does not believe that Preferment is any chance of recording a second win at Group 1 level in the Royal Randwick Guineas, but he is happy with the progress of the three-year-old as he heads towards the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 21 and the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 4.
“He is a nice colt and the horse has really improved,” Waller said.
“I think that a mile is way too short, but his work has been good.
“He is spot-on for a Rosehill Guineas and ultimately the Australian Derby.”
Preferment made his racing debut at Sandown in July of last year and he was severely outpaced over 900 metres before he produced an improved effort when third over 1300 metres at the same venue a fortnight later.
The three-year-old was well-backed in the lead-up to his next three race starts at Warwick Farm on September 10, Canterbury on September 24 and Warwick Farm on October 22 before he kept himself in Victoria Derby contention when he savaged the line late in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) on October 22.
The three-year-old received betting support in the lead-up to the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2400m) despite his maiden status and he was caught wide in the middle stages of the race, but was still able to produce a tough staying effort to score a maiden race win from Bondeiger and Nozomi.
Preferment is currently available at 2015 Royal Randwick Guineas odds of $61 with Ladbrokes, while Hallowed Crown ($3.20) and Shooting To Win ($3.20) are on top of betting from Sweynesse ($4) and Scissor Kick ($5).
