Dothraki has produced two impressive performances since returning to the races, but trainer Gerald Ryan admits that the gelding faces a much tougher test in the 2014 Starlight Stakes at Rosehill Gardens this weekend.
Dothraki returned to winning form in the Whyte & Gilmour Handicap at Rosehill Gardens on November 15. Photo by: Steve Hart
Dothraki was gelded at the end of his 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival campaign and he returned to the races with a close second behind You’ll Never in the Men Of League Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on October 25 before he returned to winning form with a professional performance in the Whyte & Gilmour Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 15.
The Mossman gelding has shown a newfound ability to settle off the speed in the early stages of his races this preparation and he should be suited by the expected quick early tempo in the 2014 Starlight Stakes, but Ryan told Sky Racing HQ that he believes the 58 kilograms will make it difficult for Dothraki.
“It is a bit harder this weekend with the weight on his back, but in saying that he is going good and he probably has the weight on his back because he has earnt it,” Ryan said.
“It is a bit harder race this week, but he is going well and there looks like there is some speed in the race.
“We will be able to ride him quiet, which we think suits him now, and we will certainly see where he sits after the weekend.”
Dothraki made his racing debut at the end of 2012 and he was set for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) after performing fairly in the Group 3 Skyline Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), but finished at the tail of the field and was sent to the spelling paddock.
The talented galloper scored his maiden win at black type level when he took out the Listed Hilton Hotels & Resorts Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on November 9 and he added to his racing resume with a professional win in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) on May 3, but connections elected to geld the four-year-old after he finished his campaign with a third place finish in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1350m) at Doomben on May 17 and a close eighth in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 31.
Dothraki is currently available at 2014 Starlight Stakes odds of $6, while Team Hawkes-trained Our Boy Malachi is a clear favourite at a quote of $2.60.
