Co-trainer Troy Corstens has revealed that Whoomph will take his position in the field for Saturday’s Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) at Flemington Racecourse.
Royal Symphony (pictured) is favourite to win Saturday’s Listed Taj Rossi Series Final at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
The High Chaparral colt made a credible debut to racing in a Pakenham minor over 1400m on June 8th, before hitting the line well for second behind Royal Symphony in the Gippsland Region Handicap (1400m) last time out on June 24th; albeit four lengths off the pace.
Having considered sending the two-year-old for a spell after his last start, Corstens told AAP that the team has been thrilled with Whoomph’s condition and are confident that he will run well in the Taj Rossi Series Final.Ton
“We contemplated putting him out after his last start and getting him ready for the spring but he really bounced through that run,” Corstens said.
“We just thought the final is there so we’ve got to have a crack at it. And stepping up to the mile is going to really suit him.
“We’ve always had a really good opinion of him and we were actually pretty devastated when he ran the way that he did at Pakenham.
“It’s come to light since that the surface there is probably not up to every horse’s liking, so when he performed the way he did at Flemington it just confirmed what we thought of him the whole way along.
“He’s always been a very classy horse.”
Following his dominant win last time, Royal Symphony has firmed into favouritism in early 2017 Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas betting markets and Corstens is confident that his runner is not too far off his ability.
“We’re talking about the favourite for the Caulfield Guineas, so you’ve got to show him the respect he’s due,” he said.
“If Royal Symphony is favourite for the Caulfield Guineas, we didn’t finish too far off him last start and I think the mile is going to suit him.”
The 2017 Taj Rossi Series Final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
