Trainer Nathan Doyle admits he has virtually no shot at retaining his crown in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m), with Hidden Motive positioned 26th on the entry list.
After securing victory in the event last year courtesy of Private Harry, Hidden Motive requires substantial withdrawals to gain a spot as an 88 rater, given the cap of 14 starters plus six backups.
Hidden Motive will instead contest the Listed Darby Munro Stakes (1200m), presenting an opportunity to face Beadman and Inkaruna, who outperformed him in the Listed Fireball Stakes (1100m) on debut and hold 24th and 25th places in The Galaxy pecking order.
Doyle mentioned he would have preferred slipping into The Galaxy at 50kg though he feels a comeback at Rosehill will work well anyway.
“The Darby Munro is the only real option with him,” Doyle said.
“I’d say we’ll be struggling to get into The Galaxy, but if he did make the field I’d definitely have a crack with him because he’s on speed horse with no weight on his back.”
With a prior defeat of Beadman in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) across the Darby Munro distance during the Spring, Doyle anticipates progress on the second outing.
“He rails like a greyhound and flicks on corners, I think that’s his best attribute,” Doyle said.
“He can ride a hot tempo, flick, then just maintain so Rosehill is going to suit him down to the ground.”
“He’s got a good attitude towards things. He’s a good eating horse, he’s pretty casual around the stables, so he doesn’t overexert himself, which allows him to stay up continue on as a racehorse and put his best foot forward.”
After competing in the Breeder’s Plate as an early two-year-old, Hidden Motive has managed extended campaigns, something Doyle expects will yield better form later in the preparation.
“He’s always a big roly-poly horse, so he takes a bit of time to come to hand,” Doyle said.
“That’s probably shown in his last preparations as well, third up when he won the Roman Consul was probably his best run.
“But we’ve had him in quite a while this time in. I think he’s probably more forward than last preparation which he’ll probably need to be, taking on that class.
“We’re really pleased with the horse and how he’s come on from that first up run.”
Hidden Motive sits at $9 in all-in wagering for the Darby Munro, and $15 for the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m), the latter confirmed by Doyle as the probable next target on April 11th.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing odds on Hidden Motive in the Darby Munro Stakes.
