The training team of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton is anticipating the return of the promising colt Napoleonic to Melbourne.
Napoleonic, a winner of three races from twelve starts, has competed just once in Melbourne, achieving a convincing 4-¼ length victory at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day last year.
It was this particular win that had those associated with Napoleonic feeling optimistic about his future, and it also marks the son of Wootton Bassett’s most recent success.
The entire is scheduled to return to Melbourne this Sunday for a shot at the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, as the Moonee Valley circuit is unfortunately undergoing a rebuild.
“We’re looking forward to getting him back down to Melbourne,” Charlton said.
“He was effective around the Valley as a three-year-old, and we believe he is the type of horse that can handle Caulfield well.
“We’ve been pleased with him. His first-up run in the Missile Stakes was, in our view, a very good performance.
“That should prove to be a strong form race, and he’s had some time since that run, but he benefits from that, and he had a nice, strong trial last week.”
Following his campaign in Brisbane during the winter, which saw Napoleonic finish third behind Rothfire and Spicy Martini in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000, the four-year-old colt has not raced since running second to Ninja at Randwick on August 8.
He did win a trial at Randwick on September 11, and the Manikato Stakes has been a long-term objective for the entire.
“He’s a horse that we’re trying to win a Group 1 with, and this was a good option for him,” Charlton stated.
“This has certainly been the plan since the Missile, anyway.”
Charlton mentioned that beyond Sunday’s Group 1 contest, there are no definitive plans in place.
“We’ll get through Sunday, but there will be plenty of options in Sydney or back in Melbourne at the end of the Carnival,” Charlton added.
“We felt that his best form has probably come over 1200 metres, so we’re probably thinking he’s more of a sprinter.”
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