Former Perth trained galloper Chocolate Holic will step out for the first time for the Darren Weir stable in the Group 3 $150,000 PFD Food Services Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Trainer Darren Weir, above, will saddle up Chocolate Holic for the first time in the Monash Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Chocolate Holic had raced for Perth co-trainers Grand and Alana Williams eleven times in Western Australia for seven wins and three seconds and will be given his chance to prove himself in better company in the Eastern states in the lead up to the Spring Carnival.
The Blackfriars four year old’s latest win was two starts back in the Listed $100,000 Carbine Club Of W.A. Stakes (1400m) at Ascot during the 2016 Perth Summer Carnival followed by a second, three weeks later, to Vega Magic in the Group 3 $250,000 A.J. Scahill Stakes (1400m) at Ascot.
That form line has proved very strong with Vega Magic coming out at his next start under the Lindsay Park banner to score a first up win in the Group 1 $1m Darley Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 20.
Weir is happy with the preparation of Chocolate Holic but admits that the 1100m of the Monash Stakes might be a bit short for the rising five year old and he will be better suited as he steps up in distance in the new racing season.
“He is a really nice horse,” Weir told racing.com.
“He’ll kick off in the Sir John Monash on Saturday, but it’s likely the 1100m will be a bit sharp for him first-up.
“He’ll then head to the Bletchingly Stakes, and then probably he’ll go third-up into the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence at Caulfield.”
Following his first up run in the Monash Stakes, Weir will step Chocolate Holic up in distance in the 1200m Group 3 $150,000 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield on July 29 and then into the Group 2 $200,000 P.B. Lawerence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 19.
Chocolate Holic has drawn barrier eight in the ten horse Monash Stakes field with Craig Williams booked to ride.
The Robbie Laing trained Lord Of The Sky will lead the Monash Stakes field out and will jump from the inside gate while Mick Kent’s promising sprinter Supido has drawn barrier five.
