
In-form gelding Accredited will have the opportunity to demonstrate how patience can pay off in racing as he prepares for his long-awaited black-type debut in the Southern Cross Stakes at Rosehill.
The sprinter was poised to start as a short-priced favourite for the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Randwick last week, but the race was canceled due to insufficient entries.
Trainer Joe Pride has redirected him to Saturday’s Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes (1200m). While it’s not the original plan, Pride remains confident of a strong performance.
“It’s Plan E, actually. It’s not nearly as good as the Carrington Stakes. We were set to run as a short-priced favourite in a Listed race,” Pride said.
“But he’s a nice horse, and I expect him to run well. I’m happy with that.”
Accredited’s stakes race debut comes a week later than intended, but his career has been a story of patience and perseverance.
The son of All Too Hard didn’t make his racing debut until late in his three-year-old season after a series of setbacks early in his career. Despite this, he has recorded six wins and four placings from just 13 starts.
“He was always a big, strong horse, so it wasn’t that he was slow to develop—he just took time to get to the races,” Pride explained.
“He went shin sore at least three times. Every time I brought him into work, something seemed to set him back. It’s a common story, but in hindsight, it might have been a blessing in disguise.
“Now, he’s older, stronger, and progressing through the grades at a time when his body can handle it. It’s worked out well.”
Accredited has had three different jockeys for his past three wins and will have a new rider on Saturday, with Jay Ford taking the reins.
A field of nine has been confirmed for the race, led by last year’s runner-up Hard To Say and the Bjorn Baker-trained trio of Iowna Merc, Wategos, and the in-form Disneck.