Hidrix, dethroned as Golden Slipper elect, dons blinkers and welcomes star jockey James McDonald for the Randwick Todman Stakes.
Previously aboard Confederation for the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix captured and Silver Slipper (1100m), McDonald now trials Hidrix in earnest Saturday, Confederation present.
“There’s not too much to read into it in terms of James,” trainer Chris Waller’s assistant, Charlie Duckworth said.
“He has ridden Confederation twice and knows the horse well. We want to afford James the best opportunity to ride our best opportunity in the Slipper, so it’s probably important he rides Hidrix.
“He galloped him on Tuesday with the blinkers on and he worked really well.
“The horse is good, jockey is good, just the draw is the negative.”
Hidrix pulls stall nine among 11, Confederation snagged next door outside following his Black Opal Stakes (1200m) Canberra scratch Sunday.
Golden Slipper ballot secured, the Todman Stakes (1200m) permits gear innovation per Golden Slipper field status, Duckworth notes.
“They’re just to help sharpen him up a little bit,” he said of the blinkers.
“Slippers aren’t easy to win, and we want him to have that killer punch. Ultimately, we’d rather have it work out now than working it out in the grand final.”
In Reisling Stakes (1200m), McDonald handles Chayan for Annabel and Rob Archibald; resuming from Melbourne – placing second Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude (1100m), seventh expansive draw Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).
“She just couldn’t draw a barrier at either start,” Annabel Archibald said.
“First start, she was very good, but she was just no hope with the run she had in the Diamond.
“With two-year-olds, it’s always one run at a time and that was a pretty tough run she had . . . but she seems to have come through it pretty well.”
Chayan’s nine gate tests her, affirming Melbourne baby form after Pakenham gelding Stretan Ruler’s Silver Slipper mastery recently.
Stretan Ruler targets Todman for final Golden Slipper tune-up, second in wagering to Paradoxium, Wyong Magic Millions champ.
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