Sincero is a likely starter for the Stradbroke Handicap
Despite saying his horse would have to win or come close to justify his spot in the Stradbroke Handicap Steve Farley now says Sincero is a likely starter.
Sincero was favourite for both the QTC Cup and Stradbroke but struggled on the weekend to finish a long way back in 11th to Varenna Miss.
Yesterday though Sincero was all but confirmed as a runner with jockey Jason Taylor booked as the jockey on standby for the horse.
Taylor has benefited from being one of the few top class riders capable of making the 50.5kg bottom weight in the race.
The other option for the horse was the Queensland Guineas but Taylor has no question marks as to which event he’s preparing for.
“After speaking to Stephen, I’ve got my fingers crossed he is favouring the Stradbroke,” Taylor said.
Glen Boss was originally expected to be on the horse but he’s cancelled a planned return from Singapore leaving his rides up for grabs.
The performance of Sincero may well have been a major contributing factor to his decision and it’s a thought replicated by bookies with his quote doubling after the run.
Most people seem to think he’s hit the wall after going six in a row however Taylor isn’t convinced his winning season is over yet.
“I rode in the race (the QTC Cup) and I can understand what happened to the horse,” he said.
“Being a three-year-old he probably got a bit lost with some of the buffeting that happened.
“Actually the experience has probably done him the world of good.
“We can’t be too critical. It’s obvious he’s got the score on the board and you’ve got to forgive these horses one run like that.”
Sincero will be worked in blinkers for his first couple of track rides this week and depending how he goes they could be an addition on the weekend.
“Stephen will be experimenting with the blinkers when I ride Sincero in a gallop at Deagon on Wednesday,” Taylor said.
“But I think putting them on is a great move. They’ll help him focus.”
Taylor has won the Stradbroke before so he’s a good pick up for Farley, even if it was back in 2001.
At that time it was a 3200m trip but it was also rated a Group 1.
“The Stradbroke is always a high-pressure race,” he said.
“I’ve watched most of his races and from what I have seen it will suit Sincero’s style of racing if he can roll into it from the half-mile.
In a field of 18 the barrier draw will play a crucial role tomorrow but given Sincero struggled from gate one last weekend, they’re hoping for a bit of space.
“Actually it would be nice not to draw an inside barrier,” Taylor said.
