Trainer Brad Widdup admits starting Jedibeel in the The Shorts (1100m) wasn’t the original plan, but after missing the Concorde Stakes (1000m) with an ankle strain, he has little choice.

The Shorts, a key lead-up to The Everest (1200m), has attracted a strong field including Briasa, Joliestar, Private Harry and Headwall.

“Very hard race,” Widdup said. “That is why it was very frustrating not to be able to run him last week… This race is going to be ten times harder. We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere.”

Jedibeel had a solo exhibition gallop at Rosehill under Kerrin McEvoy, who will ride in The Shorts. Widdup described it as a “tick over gallop” to sharpen him for next week.

Meanwhile, Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) winner Savvy Hallie has been spelled following her third in the Furious Stakes (1200m).