Trainer Gavin Bedggood admits decisions made in the heat of race day can often be regretted, which is why a level head prevailed after Hedged’s disappointing run at Flemington.
The gelding returns on Friday night in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham after finishing second-last in the Group 3 Standish Handicap as a well-backed favourite.
That effort followed a dominant win in the Listed Christmas Stakes on Boxing Day, and Bedggood was quick to defend the gelding.
“I said straightaway post-race at Flemington that he would go to the paddock and you shouldn’t make decisions on a race day,” Bedggood said.
“We went home and couldn’t fault the horse. My vet couldn’t find anything untoward so hence he’s lining up in this race.”
According to Bedggood, the Flemington straight played tricks on many runners.
“The leaders in most races didn’t fare well and the horses in that race who went forward got swallowed up very quickly and horses out wide just dropped out.”
Hedged will jump as a $6 chance behind War Machine, who heads betting at $1.55 with online betting agencies.
“We’ll just ride him comfortably and leave it up to Harry Coffey,” Bedggood said.
The stable was also active at the Magic Millions sale, securing a $330,000 son of Written Tycoon from Hedged’s dam Acing Shamrock.
Elsewhere, Hughes is set to contest the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) on Saturday as he works toward future assignments in Hobart and Launceston.
“He’s a victim of his own success,” Bedggood said.
“He sort of found his level but since has been racing well without winning.
“This will set him up well for Tasmania.”
Those following the meeting can compare odds and markets through major Australian betting platforms.
The post Bedggood Hedging across the weekend first appeared on Just Horse Racing.