WEDNESDAY: November 29, 2023: IT’S a matter of “weather” he does or doesn’t!
Hawkesbury trainer Marc Chevalier is keen to chase a second Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday with his hardy stayer Torrens.
But the weather will be the determining factor about the seven-year-old lining up in the $200,000 feature.
Rosehill this morning was rated a “Soft 7” following 9.5mm of rain in the last 24 hours, and 33.2mm in the past seven days.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with how Torrens has done since his last run at Newcastle,” Chevalier said.
“But I probably won’t run him if the track becomes heavy.
“He pulled a muscle on heavy ground in the Chairman’s Quality (2600m) at Randwick in April, and I couldn’t run him in the Sydney Cup (3200m) there a week later.”
Chevalier confirmed Jenny Duggan, who has ridden the stallion at his last three starts, will be on board again if he goes to the post.
Torrens ran fourth to Land Legend in the $500,000 ATC St Leger (2600m) at Randwick on October 14, and was narrowly beaten by Stroke Of Luck in The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle on November 18.
Josh Parr was the rider when Torrens gave the trainer his first black type success in last year’s Christmas Cup, when it was run at Randwick.
“Saturday’s race most likely will be the horse’s last run this time in work,” Chevalier said.
“Torrens’ Singapore owner at this stage is looking to send him to stud next season.”
Torrens has 56kg – the same weight he carried in The Beauford at Newcastle – and has drawn barrier eight in a field of 12.
. Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has representatives in other Rosehill features; the $250,000 Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) and $200,000 Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m).
Tom Sherry rides Phearson, placed at his last two starts, in the Festival, and Tyler Schiller partners Sneaky Paige in the Starlight.
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