The Cynic No Certainty for Sir John Monash Stakes

Trainer Patrick Payne has revealed latest stable acquisition The Cynic is no certainty to line up for Saturday’s Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m), despite confirming the gelding in the race’s field this morning.

Patrick Payne has revealed The Cynic may not take his place in Saturday's Sir John Monash Stakes. Photo: Daniel Costello

Patrick Payne has revealed The Cynic may not take his place in Saturday’s Sir John Monash Stakes. Photo: Daniel Costello

The Cynic has spent his entire career under the care of Hong Kong trainer David Hall, racing under the name Bundles Of Joy, but was transferred to the care of Payne on advice from the Sha Tin-based trainer rather than retired.

Payne is pleased to have had the rising six-year-old returned to his care, having trialled the horse prior to his move to Hong Kong and while pleased with his overall conditions, told AAP he may wait to saddle the horse for the first time competitively.

“He did really well over there but they were thinking about retiring him and David Hall recommended sending him back to my place,” Payne said.

“He said there’s still a bit of life in him but he needs a bit of juice in the ground as the tracks are a little bit firm for him in Hong Kong, both for training and racing.

“He’s a very plain track-worker which David Hall said he was in Hong Kong. He trialled reasonably well against fit horses but again has worked plainly since but he’s a lovely type of horse and very good to deal with.

“I’ll accept with him and have a look at it but I’ll probably wait for the following Saturday.

“There might be an easier option in Adelaide but I’m just waiting to see what sort of weight he might get over there.”

The Cynic was a strong and consistent performer throughout his entire Hong Kong tenure, but undoubtedly found career-best form in late 2014 and early 2015; highlighted by a win in the Group 3 National Day Cup (1000m), a close second in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1000m) and a credible fifth in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) in the Middle East.

Drawn in barrier 11 and charged with carrying 58.5kgs, The Cynic will be partnered by Steven Arnold should he take his position in the Sir John Monash Stakes.

Ladbrokes Australia is currently offering The Cynic at 2016 Sir John Monash Stakes odds of $26.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.