Anlon Chasing Third Straight Win In The John Dillion Stakes

Trainer Darren Weir is confident that the in-form Anlon can record his third straight victory in the Listed John Dillion Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Anlon and Limes will do battle once again in the Listed John Dillion Stakes at Caulfield this weekend.

Anlon and Limes will do battle once again in the Listed John Dillion Stakes at Caulfield this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Anlon broke through for his maiden metropolitan victory in the George Watson Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day and stepped up to Listed level with a narrow win over Limes in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1400m) at the same venue on January 11.

The Stratum gelding will face a stronger field in the John Dillion Stakes this weekend, but Weir told RSN this morning that he believes that Anlon has the talent to extend his winning streak and pick up another win at Listed level.

“There is no reason why he won’t run well,” Weir said.

“He has had a great fortnight and he is a horse in form.

“Hopefully he can continue that on Saturday.

“I thought he got beat (in the Chester Manifold Stakes) and the other horse (Limes) was stiff I think.

“You get beaten a lot in photos so it is nice to get one every now and then.”

Anlon was settled towards the tail of the field in both the George Watson Handicap and Chester Manifold Stakes, before showing an impressive turn-of-foot to swoop home and claim victory in the final stages of the race.

Weir confirmed that Brad Rawiller will follow the same race plan when he partners Anlon from barrier nine on Saturday and said that whether the five-year-old relaxes during the run is always the key to his chances.

“Because he has got a slight little wind problem it actually helps him to be ridden that way,” Weir said.

“The important thing for him is not be pulling throughout the race; when he over races he doesn’t breath well but when he relaxes his breathing is not a problem.

“It is important to ride him that way and if that happens he can finish off strong.”

Limes ($3.60) and Anlon ($3.70) are currently battling for favouritism in 2014 John Dillion Stakes betting markets, but both will need to be at their best against a strong field that also includes the resuming Star Rolling ($4.80), injury-plagued Chase The Rainbow ($6.50), Clinton McDonald-trained Finishing Card ($14) and 2013 Queensland Oaks winner Gondokoro ($41).

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.