A minor hiccup in training has forced Brad Widdup to change course with Jedibeel, who will now step out first-up in the high-class The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick.
The gelding was scratched from last weekend’s Concorde Stakes (1000m) with a slight ankle strain, leaving Widdup with no choice but to tackle one of the strongest sprints of the spring as a starting point.
The Shorts is a crucial lead-up to the The Everest (1200m) and will feature stars such as Briasa, Joliestar, Private Harry and Headwall.
“Very hard race,” Widdup said. “That is why it was very frustrating not to be able to run him last week. I’m not saying he would have won that race, but he drew well and it looked a good race for him. This race is going to be ten times harder. We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere and I’d rather stay at home in Sydney.”
Jedibeel was put through his paces in an exhibition gallop at Rosehill on Saturday with Kerrin McEvoy, who takes the ride in The Shorts.
“It was just a tick-over gallop, something to give him a bit of work away from home. He’s come through it well and I’ll probably do a little bit more with him during the week,” Widdup explained.
In other stable news, Silver Shadow Stakes heroine Savvy Hallie has been spelled after finishing third in the Furious Stakes (1200m).
“She has gone for a break. Everything is fine. She is going to be better as she gets on,” Widdup confirmed.