John O’Shea recognizes the stern opposition awaiting Napoleonic in Saturday’s Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.
By the late Wootton Bassett, the promising colt proved his class with a 4-¼ length demolition job in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) on the Cox Plate program.
O’Shea and partner Tom Charlton spelled the Pinecliff Racing runner post that success, thrilled by his growth and latest Randwick trial conquest.
“He’s great, I’m really happy with him,” O’Shea said.
“He’s trialled up well and made a bit of psychical improvement from last season so we’re looking forward to Saturday.
Content with Napoleonic’s freshness, O’Shea views the Eskimo Prince and Autumn slots as key trials, with Tempted setting the standard among rivals.
“She’s the benchmark,” O’Shea said.
“She should’ve nearly won an Everest. In terms of 1200 metre sprinters in Australia, especially three-year-olds, there’s none better than her.
So we’re respectful of her, and we know that we’re going to have to be right at the best of our game to be competitive.”
Not forecasting Red Anchor fireworks, O’Shea seeks a benchmark reading on Napoleonic in three-year-old company.
“That was his day, fourth up, he’d had a good foundation going into it,” O’Shea said.
“It was a good day for him to let rip. Saturday is a bit different, he’s got a long campaign ahead, so whatever he does he’ll improve off, but he’s done enough work to run well.
Options abound for Napoleonic this campaign, from local targets to Brisbane’s Winter meeting.
Fans can find competitive betting markets for the race on the Eskimo Prince Stakes.
Tempted leads Eskimo Prince all-in wagering at $1.50, with Napoleonic next best at $3.60.
The post Napoleonic seeking Prince’s crown first appeared on Just Horse Racing.