2014 Golden Rose contender Scissor Kick recorded a narrow win on a heavy track in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Royal Randwick on August 23, but trainer Paul Messara is worried about the prospect of another wet surface at Rosehill Gardens this weekend.
Scissor Kick scored a narrow win over stablemate Panzer Division in the Up And Coming Stakes. Photo by: Steve Hart
Scissor Kick started his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a comfortable win in the More Than Ready Handicap (1250m) at Canterbury on July 23 before he stamped himself as a horse to watch with an impressive win in the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) at Royal Randwick on August 9.
The Redoute’s Choice colt received plenty of luck to win the Up And Coming Stakes, after Liberation played havoc with the rest of the field, but jockey Tye Angland revealed after the race that the three-year-old had not handled the rain affected surface.
Messara told RSN this morning that he was thrilled with the will to win that Scissor Kick had shown during his racing career to date, but admits that he believes that the Golden Rose Stakes chances of the Arrowfield Stud-owned galloper would be improved on a dry surface.
“He has done really well, despite the wet tracks,” Messara said.
“Every jockey that has got off him has said that he absolutely hates it.
“Tye said last time that he won he didn’t go a yard in it and he struggled with every stride, but still managed to win.
“I think that he could be a really good horse and I would love to see him on top of the ground.
“I’m not sure about the weather in Sydney, but it is just not going to suit.
“I know there have been excuses for some of the others in his races, but he keeps winning.”
The wet weather in Sydney is not the only thing that has Scissor Kick concerned heading into Group 1 event this weekend and the Scone-based trainer said that he was not pleased with the Golden Rose Stakes barrier draw for the promising colt.
“It looks awkward on paper for me and it is a difficult barrier,” Messara said.
“I would have preferred to drawn in, but depending on how the track is going to play will influence what we do on the day with him.
“I would expect him to settle midfield or handy to the speed.”
Messara said that he will be taking it one race at a time with Scissor Kick, but said that the potential stallion prospect remains a chance of heading to Melbourne for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11.
Scissor Kick is currently available at 2014 Golden Rose Stakes odds of $11, with Bring Me The Maid ($4.20) a clear favourite from Hallowed Crown ($5.50) and Better Land ($7).
