Brad Widdup has decided to roll the dice with Phearson in Saturday’s Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford, thanks to a favourable barrier draw.

The gelding was originally set to run next week in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone, but with barrier two secured, Widdup brought forward the campaign.

“The initial plan was to wait for Scone but we had a think about it,” Widdup said.

“He ran terrific the other day and I thought it was a nice race to have a look at, provided we drew well and we have, so he will definitely go around.”

Phearson’s first-up run in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) showed promise, finishing fourth behind Mazu. The seven-year-old now gets a chance to return to the winner’s circle from a low gate.

Widdup admitted the gelding had his issues in the spring but was showing all the right signs this preparation.

“Last time in he was a bit erratic and he just wasn’t a happy horse for most of the preparation,” he explained.

“He is a very tricky horse but this time through he has been excellent. He’s in a great space at the moment.”

If Phearson runs well at Gosford, he could back up in the Luskin Star Stakes the following week, before potential winter targets in Sydney or Melbourne.

“We may back up into that, but we’ll get through Saturday first,” Widdup added.

“We will probably keep him here in Sydney, maybe look at a race in Melbourne more than Queensland. We will just try to pick off races through the winter and see what happens.”

The Takeover Target Stakes has attracted some quality runners including Infancy, Spacewalk and Pereille, and punters can find value betting opportunities with top-rated betting sites.