The Golden Slipper looms just five weeks out, yet no two-year-old has emerged as an obvious leader for the prestigious event.
Joint favourite Warwoven remains unraced since Queensland Racing vets declared him lame right before the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast last month, standout Breeders’ Plate victor Incognito suffered a first-up loss after shifting his palate, and Hidrix, the winner of that contest, must replicate his initial run to strengthen his Slipper aspirations.
Michael Freedman, trainer of last year’s Golden Slipper champion Marhoona, concedes the current edition lacks a standout, though he anticipates last-start winner Outspan could step up following Saturday’s Pierro Plate (1100m) at Randwick.
“There is no clear, dominant pick for the Slipper at this stage. It’s wide open, a little bit like last year,” Freedman said.
“He’s obviously going to have to put his hand up, but I’m happy with how he’s going.”
A field of twelve juveniles will contest the Pierro Plate, with just three having competed before Christmas.
This pattern is becoming standard, mirroring trends in the Golden Slipper’s recent history.
Although six of the last ten winners raced prior to Christmas, the tide has shifted lately, as three of the most recent five delayed their debuts until after the New Year.
Freedman prepared two such horses, Marhoona and Stay Inside from 2021.
“I think that’s going to be more the norm going forward,” Freedman said.
“Trainers are holding their horses back a bit longer. My two Slipper winners, neither of them started until the New Year, and I think that will become more common than not.”
Outspan began his racing life in January, finishing a fast-closing fifth to Knightsbridge over 1000m at Randwick, then securing his maiden win two weeks on at Rosehill.
His preparation echoes that of Stay Inside, who debuted victoriously in January, claimed the Pierro Plate en route to Golden Slipper success. Check the Australian betting sites for Pierro Plate odds.
The post Will Pierro Plate serve up another Golden Slipper contender? first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
