Trainer Kelly Schweida has revealed his decision to bypass an Everest slot for Grafterburners in favour of the $2 million consolation race, a call that has proven highly successful with the colt clinching a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.
The Queensland-based trainer felt his horse would be facing a lesser challenge against top contenders like Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising and the consistent mare Tempted in the $20 million feature, and would have a better chance on the undercard.
“We got offered a slot, to be honest, but we thought… the good horse (Ka Ying Rising) would win it, Tempted had beaten us fair and square a couple of times, so we elected to go this way with the prizemoney, and we didn’t have to share it with anyone,” Schweida said.
Grafterburners ($6.50) put on a dominant display in a strong Sydney Stakes (1200m) field, surging to the front under Nash Rawiller in the concluding stages and running out a 1-1/2 length winner over the favourite Marhoona ($5.50), with Overpass ($7) a further half-neck behind in third.
After missing a Group 1 opportunity in the autumn when scratched at the barriers before The Galaxy (1100m), Schweida is now eager to target Melbourne’s Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington next month with Grafterburners.
“Really good effort, and if he pulls up all right, I wouldn’t mind having a crack at that race in Melbourne in a few weeks,” Schweida said.
“He needs a Group One, being a colt. That race last year was The Galaxy and he had a little hissy-fit (when scratched at the barriers). That was his Group One that we thought got away from us.”
“But he showed today what he’s capable of doing, and they were pretty good horses there today and he was strong through the line.”
Rawiller commented that Grafterburners had the race under control well before the finish and accomplished the win with ease.
“What a beautiful horse,” Rawiller said.
“He got to show what he is made of. We were curled up there and let go with one run. He was awesome, really.”
The Sydney Stakes triumph signifies a major achievement for Grafterburners, potentially setting the stage for a Group 1 campaign in Melbourne.
Following Grafterburners’ commanding win in the Sydney Stakes, attention is turning to his potential Melbourne campaign. You can find excellent racing odds at betting markets for the race.