Joe Pride’s affinity for the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford is clear from his sustained excellence over two decades in the event.
Red Oog couldn’t secure the prize in 2004 on Pride’s maiden try, but it paved the way for the horse’s later dual Group 1 feats as his entry into premium black-type open racing.
That foundation led to five wins for Pride, featuring stakes breakthroughs for Title (2011), See The World (2012), Ball Of Muscle (2015) in the Gosford speed test, and a later grab by Kuro (2017).
The freshest highlight arrived via Think About It three years ago, who vaulted from the race to Group 1 wins in the Kingsford-Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap shortly after, culminating in The Everest that spring.
“I’m not sure there is another race I’ve won more times than this one,” Pride said.
“I’ve had good success. I even ran into Takeover Target when he won it, and who it’s named after now. That was with Red Oog, who ran third.
“I have quite often been able to use it as a progression race. It’s a nice race along the way for a horse being introduced to stakes racing.”
Saturday brings Kerguelen into action for Pride, the Godolphin gelding offering real potential to extend his mentor’s elite record at Gosford.
Having faced Group races lately, including sizzling late splits for fifth versus stable ace Mazu in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m), Kerguelen hunts black-type success.
“He ran amazing sectionals and that’s what he can do. He can break 33 (seconds) coming home,” Pride said.
“He will do that again on Saturday, it’s just what sort of head start he will be giving. But he will be the horse to beat.
“I want to get him into the Stradbroke, but he needs to be winning a race like this to go there.”
Pride links back up with Sam Clipperton, longtime pilot for Think About It, secured for Kerguelen.
Post-2023 Everest, Clipperton quit after 14 months, passion faded, but time off reignited his fire for a return last year.
Pride values the renewal and is excited by Clipperton’s presence.
“He’s a different person now. He was stale at the end, and Sam will tell you that,” Pride said.
“His mind wasn’t in the right place but, gee, he’s focused now. He’s a good rider, and he looks very stylish on a horse.”
Godolphin’s local pair includes Crepe Myrtle, whom Pride rates highly for the Triple M Thunder Handicap (1000m).
“I saved her from last week because I didn’t like the draw. She’s got a better draw this week and she will be hard to beat,” he said.
“I think she is on the right trajectory to be getting to a stakes race this campaign.”
Discover competitive betting markets for the race ahead of the Takeover Target Stakes.
