Former European import Klondike has not followed a traditional Australian preparation for a staying event, but his trainers are confident that he will not be found lacking in fitness or stamina.
The gelding is set to contest Saturday’s St Leger Stakes (2600m) for his second start in 16 months, having been sidelined by a tendon injury following last year’s Doomben Cup (2000m).
However, the extended, slow fitness foundation he has received as a result of this, combined with his natural athleticism, has co-trainer Tom Charlton confident that Klondike is well prepared.
He arrives at Saturday’s race off an encouraging fifth place in the Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) on September 19, after connections opted to bypass a couple of other options to wait for Saturday’s assignment.
“We felt he didn’t need much racing. He was fit, and the space of four weeks to a 2600-metre race was what he was looking for,” Charlton stated.
“He was quite forward for his first run. He’s had a long build-up of training for his rehab and preparation.”
“The way he ran and went through the line, going two weeks to a ‘Metrop’ wasn’t right, and we felt four weeks between runs he’d be best suited.”
Klondike will be one of three stable runners in the St Leger, with the 2024 race winner Athabascan and Sam Hawkens also scheduled to line up.
All three remain in the Melbourne Cup mix, although they will need to step up significantly at Randwick to have any chance of featuring in Australia’s most famous race.
“They’re all in the Cup, and if they were to perform well, you’d definitely consider it,” Charlton remarked.
“They’re not leading hopes at the moment, but if anything put their hand up, we’d jump at it, particularly with Klondike.”
Klondike is considered the stable’s leading St Leger chance at $8.50, ahead of eight-year-old Athabascan ($16) and Sam Hawkens ($26), though Charlton suggests all have claims.
“Athabascan was excellent in a slowly run Metropolitan. He has won this race before and you wouldn’t know his age, he’s such a lovely horse to have at home,” Charlton explained.
“Sam Hawkens was better the other day and the extra 200 metres, particularly here at Randwick, will really suit him. The rain will suit him as well.”
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