Talented gelding Voilier stamped himself as a 2015 Golden Slipper contender when he recorded a dominant win on debut at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, but trainer Gary Nickson believes that the Group 1 Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) could be a more suitable option for the juvenile.
Voilier could hardly have been more impressive on debut at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart
Voilier made his first public appearance with a most impressive five lengths victory in a barrier trial over 808 metres at Warwick Farm on November 20, but still went into the Sire Custodians Plate (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday on the third line of betting.
The son of Beneteau was caught in an early speed battle before being settled just behind the leading duo by jockey Tye Angland and he showed an outstanding turn-of-foot to hit the front at the 300 metre mark and race away from his rivals to record a three and a half lengths victory.
Owner and breeder Steve Vardy said that he would not hesitate to pay the late entry fee to get Voilier into the 2015 Golden Slipper field if his form warranted it next year, but Nickson told TVN that the Sires Produce Stakes could be the autumn goal for the two-year-old.
“I think the way he races, he’s such a relaxed horse, he gives me the impression he could be a Sires Produce horse,” Nickson said.
“Of course the Golden Slipper will be an option, but if we went that way I would say it would be his fourth run in and that would be it.
“He’s obviously a very good horse.”
Nickson confirmed that Voilier had been sent to the spelling paddock following his debut win on Saturday and he said that the Beneteau gelding would have a month off before returning to begin preparations for his 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival campaign.
Voilier was unwanted at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale and he was passed in after attracting a top big of $32,000, but Nickson said there had been plenty of offers for the two-year-old in the past 48 hours.
“I’ve just dropped him off,” Nickson said.
“I can give him four or five weeks now then get him back about January 7 or 8 and start on having him ready for the autumn.
“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing.
“We’ve had a lot of offers for the horse since he won on Saturday, from all over the place, including Hong Kong.”
Nickson is a chance of having two runners in the Golden Slipper in as many years after Alpha Miss finished 14th behind Mossfun in the 2014 edition of the race.
