Wangaratta Trainer Chasing Winterbottom Dream
15 November, 2018
Thoroughbred
Wangaratta trainer Dan McCarthy believes a plan hatched six months ago could be realised when Ashlor tackles the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on December 1.
“He was on track for the Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide in May, but suffered a setback,” McCarthy said.
“It was about two weeks before the race which is really frustrating, nothing serious, but enough to rule him out.
“I was bitterly disappointed, but immediately turned my thoughts to the Winterbottom Stakes as a target race.
“I admit I might be having a bit of a throw at the stumps, but you have to have dreams and be positive.”
Ashlor confirmed an interstate trip west across the Nullarbor after a posting a 955m sprint win at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day when first-up on October 27.
McCarthy said he kept Ashlar’s second-up record in mind when he opted to bypass running the five-year-old in the Doveton Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.
“His first-up record is good, but racing second-up he is exceptional,” McCarthy said.
“I could have gone into either Sandown or the Cox Plate meeting first-up.
“But it was always my intention to race in the Winterbottom Stakes second up.
“It will be a month between runs, but he hasn’t missed a day’s work or had a hiccup.
“He is exactly where I want him to be and he will be at his best.”
Ashlor, a son of Hard Spun, is a winner at nine of 22 starts. McCarthy, who will make his first visit to Perth, said the gelding is unlucky not to have added a stakes feature to his racing CV.
“He was an absolute certainty beat in the Euclase at Morphettville last year,” McCarthy said.
“He raced wide and had a torrid run.
“He should have won and should be a Group 2 winner.”
After opening at $61, Ashlor has firmed to $34 with TABtouch after his Moonee Valley victory.
Fellow interstate raider and defending champion Viddora heads betting at $3.40.
“I’ve always had an opinion of Ashlor, but knew we would see the best of him as a five and six-year-old,” McCarthy said.
“The Winterbottom will be a good test to see where he is at.
“He is improving all the time and it’s a doable race.”
Julio Santarelli