Written by Paul Vettise
Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is the new favourite for the G1 Longines Golden Slipper S. at Rosehill following Tuesday’s barrier draw behind closed doors at Racing New South Wales’ offices.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained colt will on Saturday jump from gate six and the market reacted accordingly to install him at $5 after the pre-draw fancy Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) was handed gate 14.
Tagaloa won the G1 Blue Diamond S. at Caulfield in February and then finished runner-up in the G2 Todman S. at Randwick in his first outing right-handed. Michael Walker will continue his association with the youngster.
“It’s a great draw and the rail is out three metres so from barrier six he’ll be in the perfect spot,” Young said.
Tagaloa was put through his paces at Randwick on Tuesday morning and delighted all concerned with his effort.
“It’s a great draw and the rail is out three metres so from barrier six he’ll be in the perfect spot.” – Natalie Young
“Michael Walker galloped him and we were going to go to Rosehill, but it’s in our backyard and we couldn’t fault him so he’s going into Saturday very well,” Young said.
“We thought a month between runs after winning the Blue Diamond was going to be a bit too much so we gave him a run in the Todman and that would get him on that right leg.
Michael Walker and Tagaloa after winning the Blue Diamond
“I thought he went super and gave Farnan 6l and flew home. He came through that race really well and this week he’s been having a roll after he works and squealing and kicking.
“He’s in a really good frame of mind and a really happy horse. We’ll just keep him ticking over in the next few days.”
“He’s in a really good frame of mind and a really happy horse. We’ll just keep him ticking over in the next few days.” – Natalie Young
Young is hoping the track will dry out before Saturday, although Tagaloa has handled rain-affected going in the lead-up.
“We’re hoping he gets through the track. At Cranbourne, he trialled on a heavy 8 over 800 metres and he won it, not that you can get carried away by Cranbourne jump-outs, but he came home in 51s so I don’t think it should worry him,” Young said.
Farnan
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-prepared Farnan had Tagaloa’s measure in the Todman and, with Hugh Bowman in the saddle, will attempt to hand Waterhouse a record seventh victory in the race. The colt moved out a point to $6 after the draw.
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace will have four representatives in the Slipper with their G3 Widden S. winner Away Game (Snitzel) faring best at the draw with barrier three and Glen Boss booked for the ride.
Away Game
Prague (Redoute’s Choice) sealed his place with his win in the G3 Pago Pago S. and has gate seven with Englishman Tom Marquand to retain the ride.
Last-start G3 Black Opal S. placegetter Cellsabeel (Hinchinbrook) and Damien Oliver will start from barrier 12 while multiple Group placegetter Muntaseera (I Am Invincible) and Michael Dee will have their work cut out from stall 18.
Handy for Hanseatic
Anthony Freedman’s G3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner and G1 Blue Diamond S. placegetter Hanseatic (Street Boss {USA}) remains prominent in betting markets after coming up with gate nine and will be handled by Kerrin McEvoy.
He will represent Godolphin who was successful last year with the James Cummings-trained Kiamichi (Sidestep), his runner Thermosphere (Exosphere) has barrier 10 and Tommy Berry in the saddle.
Kiamichi winner of the 2019 G1 Golden Slipper S
Peter and Paul Snowden’s duo of King’s Legacy (Redoute’s Choice) and Dame Giselle (I Am Invincible) both fared well with draws two and four respectively.
Damian Lane’s ride on King’s Legacy won the G3 BJ McLachlan S. in December and hasn’t raced since finishing fifth in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Dame Giselle won the G2 Reisling S. last time out and will be partnered by Tim Clark.
