The Bjorn Baker trained Off The Rails is set to be tested over a staying journey when he tackles 2400m for the first time in the Listed $100,000 Vili’s Pies Australia Day Cup at Randwick on Saturday.
Off The Rails, white with a red cap, will be stepping up to 2400m for the first time in the Australia Day Cup at Randwick . Photo by Steve Hart.
Baker has been happy with the recent form of Off The Rails and is keen to find out if he can handle a staying distances even if he is bred on sprinting lines.
“He’s not bred to be a stayer but he gives the impression he will get over 2400 metres so we are giving him a try at it,” Baker told AAP.
“He has won over 2000 metres at Randwick before and his last run at the Gold Coast was really good.
“He travelled up and back in good order. He’s a really laid-back customer and very relaxed.”
Off The Rails has won from 1200m to 2000m and his last two runs over 1900m and 1800m have made Baker keen to step the Snitzel four year old up in distance again.
After winning over 1500m three runs back in a BenchMark 78 Handicap at Rosehill, Off The Rails ran second over 1900m in the $85,000 tab.com.au Plate at Rosehill on December 20 before running third to Queensland Oaks winner Tinto in the $170,000 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 10.
Off The Rails has come up against some tough stayers including Permit and Multilateral from the powerful Chris Waller stable.
The imported Permit has won four times over 2400m in Australia as well as winning over 2600m in the 2012 Group 2 $175,000 Schweppes Chairman’s Quality at Randwick.
While Multilateral is a winner twice over 2400m including a victory two starts back in the Listed $100,000 Tattersalls Club Cup at Randwick on January 1.
And the Gai Waterhouse trained Danas Best and Oriental Lady from the Kris Lees stable have both won over the distance in restricted class.
Early betting for the Australia Day Cup with Ladbrokes.com.au has Danas Best and Oriental Lady sharing favouritism at $4 with Multilateral next in the market order at $6.50.
Off The Rails and Ghost Protocol are both listed at $8.50 with Permit and Gallatini sharing the $9.50 mark.
