Scone traditionally may seem a long way from Brisbane Group 1 glory but in 2011 it could be the perfect path.
With a record number of nominations for the two-day carnival there is plenty of talent but Sincero could just be the best of the lot.
He’s won six straight including five from five this season and he will move into Scone Guineas as potentially the shortest priced favourite of the entire carnival.
Despite this his trainer Stephen Farley said after a Randwick barrier trial last week that he’s no certainty in the race and that he won’t be at his full potential when they jump.
“The trial gave him the blow-out he needed but he’s still not wound right up yet because it will be only his second run back,” Farley said.
While certainly wanting to take his streak to seven in a row, Farley doesn’t want Sincero to peak too early with the Brisbane Winter Carnival looming as the next step.
Still, his form is immaculate whichever way you look at it especially after a last start win in the Gosford Guineas on Anzac Day.
On that day he beat horses of the calibre of Obsequios and Panpique by five lengths so with no nominations of that standard at Scone victory seems a formality.
Currently he will have 14 competitors but nominations have been extended meaning there is still a chance a big player could fill the final spot.
It is the only race with an extended nomination period with every other event achieving maximum capacity.
“With so many entries a few of my other horses will struggle to get runs but at least it’s all systems go for Sincero,” Farley said.
He was bought for a mere $8000 as a yearling with that value rapidly increasing as he posted victory after victory in the lower grades.
In fact so quickly did his value develop that an offer was reportedly tendered form Asia at a value of $1 million.
After his Gosford win though interest has slowed with connections expectedly excited about the horses growing potential.
“It’s been very quiet this time,” he said.
“All the offers that have come in before, I’ve handed them over to the owners and they have weighed everything up.
“As it is, I’m glad he’s still in my stable.”
He has the chance to reward his connections with much more than $1 million over the next few months with Brisbane the main target following the Scone Guineas.
While the details haven’t been set in stone Farley has a rough plan which would see his career earning surpass the $1 million mark.
“The first race he will have in Brisbane will be the QTC Cup,” Farley said.
“If he could win that then he would be qualified for the Stradbroke Handicap otherwise there’s the Queensland Guineas on the same day.
“I haven’t made a strong decision either way but for me as a small-time trainer it would be great to have a runner in a Group One race like the Stradbroke.”
Punters are certainly hoping he goes to the Stradbroke Handicap where he has already taken a lot of early bets as market favourite.
