Two more youngsters from the John O’Shea stable could earn Golden Slipper Stakes recognition with good performances in the Group 2 $175,000 Pro-Ride Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Telperion could boost his chances for the Golden Slipper Stakes with a win in the Skyline Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Last start Lonhro Plate winner Telperion and debut winner Souchez could boost O’Shea’s stocks for the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on March 19 with a win in the Skyline Stakes.
O’Shea, the Australian trainer for the world wide Godolphin racing empire, already has Golden Slipper Stakes third favourite Astern pencilled in for a start in the world’s richest two year old race and another win by either Telperion or Souchez will see their prices shorten.
Telperion was having his second race start when he scored a comfortable win when ridden back in the field in the Listed $125,000 Huawei Lonhro Plate (1100m) at Randwick on February 13 and impressed O’Shea.
“Telperion was very impressive and he showed us that he is a lot better when he’s allowed to settle and then run on,” O’Shea told AAP.
“He’s a lovely big, strong colt who will appreciate the 1200 metres here.
“He looks a Slipper type and at this stage we’re looking at running him.”
Souchez also come from midfield to win on debut in an 1100m two year old Plate at Rosehill on December 19 and O’Shea can see the Lonhro colt taking a great deal of benefit from Saturday’s Skyline Stakes.
“Souchez is a very professional type whose work this week has been very sharp,” O’Shea said.
“He’ll benefit from the run and we’ll decide after Saturday where he goes next.”
James McDonald has stuck with Telperion after steering him to victory in the Lonhro Plate while English jockey William Buick will take the mount on Souchez.
Telperion heads the Skyline Stakes market order at Ladbrokes.com.au at $2.30 with Souchez on the second line of betting at $3.80 while the James Cummings trained Good Standing with Hugh Bowman to ride is also well in contention at $4.60.
Skyline Stakes market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.30 Telperion, $3.80 Souchez, $4.60 Good Standing, $9 Vega, $11 Hayman, $12 Mediterranean, $21 Lionhearted, $101 Military Machine.
