A challenging barrier draw might push back the intended start to Desert Lightning’s preparation at Mornington.
Desert Lightning has secured the outermost gate in the 17-horse Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, carrying 60kg with Luke Nolen in the saddle.
Saturday’s field is capped at 15 runners, plus two emergencies.
The galloper prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman returns first-up this Saturday, absent from the track since the spring feature, the Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley last October.
Coleman indicated a choice must be made on tackling the wide barrier in the race or waiting for a later opportunity.
“He’s really just there first-up for a fitness run, so we’ll have a good look at the race and see whether we save him for another day,” Coleman said.
“It’s not the end of the world.”
Coleman noted that given how Desert Lightning’s preparation is progressing, a trip back to Queensland for the Winter Carnival seems probable.
Desert Lightning placed fourth in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm last June, a target his trainers have in mind once more this year.
Coleman mentioned that despite his age, Desert Lightning is shaping up well for the upcoming winter.
“He’s trialled really nicely this time,” Coleman said.
“He’s nice and fresh, he seems in a good headspace for an older horse. He’s really enjoying his work.
“Whether he runs first-up on Saturday, or whether we wait another day, we’ll make that decision, but I think he can run well if we decide to go there.”
Stablemate She’s Got Pizzazz just made the cut into the 15-runner field, drawing gate 8 with Linda Meech aboard.
Coleman explained that any softening of the Mornington surface would suit She’s Got Pizzazz, who has had a pair of starts back from a spell, both over 1100m.
The Mornington track was a Soft 5 when acceptances closed on Wednesday.
“She’s ideally looking for 1400 metres now, but she needs another one at the 1200 (metres) to bring her on fitness wise,” Coleman said.
“She needs soft ground as well to see her at her best, so we’ll be on weather watch a little bit there as well.”
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