The cause behind Siragusa’s actions during day two of The Championships is still unknown, yet co-trainer Rob Archibald wants the gelding to move past it and return his preparation to form.
Sent out at $10 for the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) on April 11, Siragusa declined to start from the barriers, unseated jockey Craig Williams, and played no role in the contest.
“I don’t know what happened. It was a bit of a head scratcher,” Archibald said.
“Craig said he just jumped a bit awkward then ducked out. But he has trialled since and he was fine.”
The son of I Am Invincible had notched back-to-back victories early in his career, prevailing by three lengths at Tamworth in January and by a comparable distance at Muswellbrook in March.
Archibald and his training partner, wife Annabel, identified sufficient promise in those efforts to enter the three-year-old in stakes company, and although the attempt fell short, Rob Archibald is optimistic the horse can make amends in Saturday’s The Last Post Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.
“He seems talented, albeit he’s won at Tamworth and Muswellbrook,” he said.
“We’re learning about him all the time and we’re just trying build him up to take him through his grades, but he’s certainly one we like.
“He’s definitely got ability, so I’m looking forward to seeing him develop.
“It was a hiccup the other day, but I’m confident he can bounce back on Saturday.”
The stable also runs the lightly raced Seastraand in the same event for leading owner Gerry Harvey, who holds an interest in Siragusa too, while OTI Racing three-year-old Hillier could spice up the card should he appear in the Australian Flying Corps Handicap (1200m).
Runner-up at Group 2 level in Melbourne last spring, Hillier was fifth from a wide gate in Autumn Boy’s Caulfield Guineas (1600m), and another poor draw has Archibald undecided about his debut back at Randwick.
“I’m not sure. He has drawn a bit sticky,” he said.
“We’ll have a good look at the race and potentially wait a week. But I’ve been really happy with his trials. He seems to have come back in good order so I’m keen to get him started.”
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