Former Golden Slipper favourite Incognito stays in contention for the globe’s most lucrative contest for two-year-olds, though gear adjustments are planned to revive his preparation.
The victor of the Breeders’ Plate underperformed on debut in the Canonbury Stakes over the weekend, with jockey Tommy Berry noting afterwards that he suspected the colt had a palate displacement.
Trainer Michael Freedman verified that follow-up veterinary checks seemed to back up that idea, but he emphasised the issue, though not always clear-cut, could usually be handled.
“It can be displaced for a very short period of time then go back in place very quickly,” Freedman said.
“It’s a bit of a frustrating one and they can do it once and never do it again. It’s one of those racing things that can happen sometimes. Hopefully we can just make a few subtle changes because he is obviously a lot better than that.
“I was, to some degree, quite happy to find an issue. If you go home with no issues, you think maybe we’re not good enough.”
Freedman noted Racing NSW stewards won’t demand another barrier trial for Incognito, and currently the colt heads to the Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill on February 21.
Assuming all goes smoothly, entry into the Golden Slipper four weeks hence is still targeted.
“He’s in good order so the plan will be to change a little bit of gear on him,” Freedman said.
“I’m not exactly sure what that will be, maybe a tongue tie and a different type of bit, and then go to the Silver Slipper, although if we decided we wanted to wait an extra week, we could.”
Freedman has another two-year-old, Outspan, lined up for the Pierro Plate (1100m) at Randwick this coming Saturday, and he updated that the Bivouac colt has kept progressing after his win at Rosehill recently.
“He will be here next Saturday, that’s the plan,” Freedman said. Punters looking for value should explore the racing betting markets ahead of the Silver Slipper.
“I’m very happy with him. He did a nice bit of work (Saturday) morning, and he will have a gallop on Tuesday.”
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