Joe Pride is baffled by Estadio Mestalla’s two-kilo penalty compared to a Group 1 champion in the Luskin Star Stakes, but certain the consistent gelding will go all out.

His prime achievement was last year’s Listed Winter Stakes (1100m) win, resulting in 61kg for Scone’s Saturday showpiece, against 59kg for spring Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) and 2025 Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker.

“Explain that one to me,” Pride quipped.

“He is curiously weighted.”

The seven-year-old gelding thrives with big weights, taking Randwick victory carrying 63kg on Melbourne Cup Day and placing in the Summer Cup (2000m) on 61kg in December.

Estadio Mestalla’s solid build supports heavy assignments, Pride explains, but more contributes.

“I have also had some good small horses able to do it,” Pride said.

“He’s a very well-balanced horse, and quality helps them carry weight. If they’re not good, they can’t carry it against anyone.”

Ignoring the weights, Pride predicts a fine effort from Estadio Mestalla after closing to sixth in the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m) upon summer resumption.

The Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) Saturday is a further platform to the runner’s chief pursuit, next month’s Brisbane Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), with Pride deeming it a viable target.

“He will peak third-up, but he will run very well at Scone,” he said.

“The Stradbroke is his goal.”

Scone’s headline race boasts classy past champions: Osborne Bulls (2018), Everest third and five-time Group 1 placegetter; Trekking’s 2019 Luskin Star-Stradbroke success and Everest placing; Lost And Running (2021).

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