Trainer Kelly Schweida has stated that he rejected an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners, choosing instead to focus on the $2 million consolation race, a decision that has paid off handsomely with the colt securing a dramatic Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.
The Queensland-based trainer believed his horse would be contesting a secondary prize against formidable opponents like Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising and the capable mare Tempted in the $20 million feature and would be better suited in a race on the undercard.
“We got offered a slot, to be honest, but we thought… the good horse (Ka Ying Rising) would win it, Tempted had beaten us fair and square a couple of times, so we elected to go this way with the prizemoney, and we didn’t have to share it with anyone,” Schweida said.
Grafterburners ($6.50) delivered a commanding performance against a competitive Sydney Stakes (1200m) field, with Nash Rawiller guiding the colt to the front in the home straight to win by a length and a half over the favourite Marhoona ($5.50), with Overpass ($7) finishing a further half-neck back in third.
Having missed an opportunity for a Group 1 win during the autumn when he was a late withdrawal at the barriers before The Galaxy (1100m), Schweida is now eager to campaign Grafterburners in Melbourne for the upcoming Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington next month.
“Really good effort, and if he pulls up all right, I wouldn’t mind having a crack at that race in Melbourne in a few weeks,” Schweida said.
“He needs a Group One, being a colt. That race last year was The Galaxy and he had a little hissy-fit (when scratched at the barriers). That was his Group One that we thought got away from us.”
“But he showed today what he’s capable of doing, and they were pretty good horses there today and he was strong through the line.”
Rawiller commented that Grafterburners had the race under control well before the finish line and achieved the win with ease.
“What a beautiful horse,” Rawiller said.
“He got to show what he is made of. We were curled up there and let go with one run. He was awesome, really.”
The victory in the Sydney Stakes marks a significant achievement for Grafterburners, potentially setting the stage for a tilt at Group 1 glory in Melbourne.
The performance from Grafterburners in the Sydney Stakes was exceptional, and punters are already eyeing the upcoming Champions Sprint. You can explore the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.