Barring no changes due to the awkward gate, Henry Dwyer will unleash Different Gravy in the Caulfield fixture as per the original blueprint.
Barrier 16 awaits Different Gravy in Saturday’s VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m), adjusting to 15 absent the start of reserve Merimbula.
“He needs to start somewhere and that’s been his long-term starting point, so I don’t want to change a preparation just because of a bad barrier,” Dwyer said.
The ultimate aim for Different Gravy remains the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm toward May’s conclusion.
Dwyer envisions four engagements building to the Derby peak for Different Gravy, reminiscent of Sonntag’s 2014 conquest, with a subsequent Queensland winter sojourn priming a Melbourne spring challenge.
After Saturday’s initiation, the next stops are the Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick in Sydney, and the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben in Brisbane.
“We didn’t accept in the Australian Derby, we took him out on Tuesday, just because it was all coming around a bit soon,” Dwyer said.
“The mile now, then 2000 (metres) in a month’s time and a lead-up run into the Derby sounds about right.”
Sired by Ghaiyyath, producer of Victoria Derby and Australian Guineas winner Observer, Different Gravy delivered unexpected growth last campaign according to Dwyer.
Last time, Different Gravy claimed a 1600m maiden at Swan Hill, followed by Listed 1800m honors during Melbourne Cup period, and sealed with victory in the new Melbourne Classic (2000m) at Caulfield.
“We thought he would improve over ground, but we didn’t know how much he would improve,” Dwyer said.
“It was a fair bit, and I think he’s going to improve again this time.
“We got him out to 2000 metres last prep, and I think he will eat up the 2400 metres as well this time around.
“Hopefully a winter up there and then we can think about the spring down here and see how he measures up.”
Visit premier online bookmakers to check betting markets for the race featuring Different Gravy’s Queensland Derby journey.
