Famous Seamus has been allocated the top-weight of 60kg and will jump from the outside barrier in the George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday but trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith remains confident that his star sprinter is good enough to win the Group 3 event.
Famous Seamus will need a great deal of luck to win the George Moore Stakes with 60 kilos on his back at Doomben this Saturday. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Mayfield-Smith admits that he was hoping Famous Seamus would be allocated only 59kg but believes based on his recent form, which includes a win in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1100m) and third place finishes in both the Group 3 Premiere Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1200m), the five-year-old deserves the hefty impost.
“I would’ve been really happy if he got 59kg but I was realistic and thought he’d get 60kg,” Mayfield-Smith told AAP.
“If you take a line through the Lightning at Randwick, he won that with 59kg and was placed after that in a Group race.
“I don’t think this race is as strong as either of those two races.”
Famous Seamus’ chances in the 2013 George Moore Stakes were far from improved by the barrier draw but Mayfield-Smith revealed that he has already starting work on a plan to make sure that the son of Elusive City gets a good run into the race.
“I didn’t want to draw 18 but I also didn’t want to draw inside,” Mayfield-Smith said.
“”We have two choices; either scratch or come up with a plan to give him the best opportunity to win from that gate.”
Famous Seamus has been unable to breakthrough for a victory at Group level but has a sensational record in Listed events and has the opportunity to record his fifth black type victory after taking out the Lightning Handicap (1200m) in Sydney on two occasions and winning both the Hinkler Handicap (1200m) and Prime Minister’s Cup (1300m) during the 2013 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
Kelly Schweida-trained Cape Kidnappers ($3.40) is the clear favourite in 2013 George Moore Stakes betting markets and the leading trainer said earlier this week that he is confident the lightly-raced gelding is good enough to record his maiden win at Group level.
There is not a great deal separating the rest of the field; with Benny’s Buttons ($8) on the second line of betting from Famous Seamus ($9), Doubtfilly ($9.50), Morning Captain ($10) and Someday ($13).
