Decision Time produced a number of typically competitive efforts through the recent Spring Carnival, and trainer Clarry Conners is confident the veteran is ready for a strong first-up run in Saturday’s Listed Canterbury Classic (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
Decision Time is primed for a big first-up performance in Saturday’s Canterbury Classic at Royal Randwick
Decision Time completed a long and busy preparation through the majority of the 2015 calendar but kicked into top hear when fourth amongst classy competition in the Fairfield RSL Handicap (1200m) on August 15th before delivering a strong field defeat in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) most notably only one week later.
Having trialled well in the lead-up to his return on Saturday, Conners told AAP he is pleased with the condition of the eight-year-old and is confident the stable-favourite will perform well in the Canterbury Classic first-up.
“The horse has come through his two trials really well. He won them both and I’m very happy,” Conners said.
“He has a pretty good first-up record but I did think this would be an easier race to start him off.
“We don’t over-work him because of what he’s been through.
“He enjoys stable life. He’s more like a pet and follows everyone around.
“He is definitely the favourite horse in the stable.”
Christian Reith took the ride on Decision Time in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) last time out on September 12th, but Conners revealed he is yet to confirm a rider for the 2015 Canterbury Classic.
“Nowadays it seems you need to book jockeys in Sydney two weeks in advance,” Conners said.
“I started trying a week ago. It’s also a bad time of year with some Sydney jockeys riding in Queensland on Boxing Day.”
Decision Time has posted an impressive ten wins and six minors through his 34 competitive starts since first appearing on course competitively during the 2009/10 summer.
A standout two-year-old having won the Listed Black Opal Stakes (1200m) and finished second in each of the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) and Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) most notably, the Foreplay gelding missed the entire 2014 racing calendar due to a string of unfortunate ailments, but steadily worked his way back to prominence this year.
The 2015 Canterbury Classic field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday (December 23rd).
