Tom Charlton plans to divide a pair of his stable’s top performers across different states this weekend, sending Linebacker into the Luskin Star Stakes at Scone while talented speedster Napoleonic heads for the Group 1 Doomben 10,000.
Although Linebacker holds entries for both events, Charlton prefers directing him towards Scone since the additional 100m in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) suits the horse perfectly.
“He is nominated for both, and we can think about it, but he will probably go to Scone and Napoleonic will go to Queensland,” Charlton said.
“With Linebacker, 1300 is a distance he’s very effective at. He will enjoy Scone and if we can get a bit of confidence in him, we can get him to the Stradbroke (Handicap).”
The 2025 Randwick Guineas victor, Linebacker raced against top-tier rivals through the autumn campaign.
Just 1-1/2 lengths shy of Joliestar on debut in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), the gelding sat midfield behind Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) before securing a respectable sixth in the Doncaster Mile (1600m).
Charlton believes the gelding stands to gain from a break and a minor reduction in trip length as he seeks to regain peak condition.
“His Canterbury Stakes run was great, and the George Ryder turned out to be a very good form race, and he wasn’t too bad in hindsight,” Charlton said.
“In the Doncaster, he put himself in a good position and they went very quick. He presented like he was going to be in the finish, but the pattern of that race probably played against him.
“He was the best on-speed horse, and he might appreciate a freshen up and coming back to that 1300 and 1400 metres.”
Napoleonic enjoyed a rest following a strong showing in the Canterbury Stakes and has claimed victory in two latest barrier trials.
Having placed second in the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Hobartville Stakes, this three-year-old targets the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) through upcoming assignments in Saturday’s Doomben 10,000 (1200m) plus the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm two weeks on.
“He’s still improving and developing, and his trial is indicative he has improved again,” Charlton said.
“We came back this time thinking he was on a three-run Stradbroke campaign.
“James (McDonald) is riding him, so clearly he thinks he’s capable of winning.”
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