Amenable is aiming to halt a prolonged stretch without a visit to the winner’s enclosure when he debuts for Grahame Begg at Sandown.
The galloper, formerly with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is set to contest the Group 3 Chautauqua Stakes (1300m) on Saturday, having not raced for eleven months.
Amenable’s last victory was at Caulfield over 1400m in August 2023. This followed his sole other success on debut over 1300m at Sandown in March 2022.
He displayed significant ability for Price and Kent Jnr, competing in elite races such as the Caulfield Guineas, Australian Guineas, Memsie Stakes, Toorak Handicap, George Ryder Stakes, and Stradbroke Handicap. He also recorded a second place in the All-Aged Stakes, all at Group 1 level.
Despite this, in 24 starts, he has managed only two wins and six placings.
Amenable’s last run was an eighth-place finish at Caulfield last November, leading to a change of stables for this preparation.
He has had two jump-outs to prepare for his return on Saturday, finishing third behind Oliveanotherday in his latest effort on August 19.
“We gave him a long spell,” Begg stated.
“He’s had a few issues, but he has prepped up well and he ran third in a trial at Caulfield Heath the other day which was a very good trial.
“He’s going well.”
Begg mentioned that the stable has managed Amenable’s training load cautiously, considering his age.
“We’ve not worked him as hard being an older horse, keeping him happy within himself,” Begg elaborated.
“He loves wet ground and I’ve kept him on the grass for galloping rather than working him on synthetics where they can jar up.
“It’s a nice kick-off being 1300 and any give in the ground won’t do his chances any harm.”
Begg also has Royal Insignia in the lineup for Saturday’s race, but his participation will be contingent on the track conditions.
Royal Insignia’s last start at Sandown saw him win the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) in January 2025. His most recent race was a second place in the Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on August 1.
The sprinter also had a jump-out at Caulfield Heath, finishing third on August 19.
“He’s won at the track but needs good ground,” Begg commented.
“The 1300 metres won’t worry him, but I won’t run him if it’s too wet, so he might have to wait for the Bobbie Lewis Quality (at Flemington) on Saturday week.”
With the Chautauqua Stakes approaching, consider checking out the online bookmakers for the latest odds.