Jockey Craig Williams is hopeful that Arod’s class will shine through when the talented import returns to action in Saturday’s 2017 Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Arod will make his competitive return in Saturday’s Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Arod announced himself to the Australian racing community during the 2015 Spring Carnival whilst under the guidance of notable British trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam; albeit an unsuccessful campaign which peaked with a lacklustre run for eleventh behind Winx in the Cox Plate.
Having been transferred to the care of Chris Waller partway through 2016, the Teofilo gelding weathered a tough run in transit when he re-emerged in the Group 3 L’oreal Paris Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in early November, before finishing a close second behind Rageese.
Williams told Racing Ahead that he has been impressed with what Arod has produced on the track and in work since he arrived in Australia and believes that his proven class can count for plenty in the CF Orr Stakes 2017.
“He had a big weight and didn’t have any luck in the race (L’oreal Paris Stakes), and I loved the way he relaxed in the run,” Williams said.
“Chris has been able to give him a break and start him off fresh.
“His first barrier trial up there was good. His second wasn’t so good, but it was on soft ground and eh isn’t that comfortable on soft ground.
“He’s a bit of an X-factor and Sheikh Fahad is in town, so hopefully he can put his best foot forward.”
Arod has posted four wins and a further eight minors through his nineteen career starts, since making his competitive debut in the late stages of 2016.
The six-year-old undoubtedly found career-best form to date in 2015, in the lead-up to his first trip to Australia.
Having started the year with a strong run for second in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (1810m), Arod secured consecutive wins in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes (1713m) and Group 2 Summer Mile (1600m) before running second to champion miler Solow in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes (1609m) most notably.
Arod will jump from the rails draw in the Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes and will carry 59kgs.
Ladbrokes is currently offering Arod at 2017 CF Orr Stakes odds of $14, having firmed from an opening quote of $21.
