SEVEN-year-old stallion Torrens is fit for a tilt at capturing another The Beauford at Newcastle on Saturday, his trainer Marc Chevalier says.
Hawkesbury-based Chevalier has aimed his stayer at both The Beauford (2300m) and the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on December 2 – races the horse has both won previously, albeit with separate trainers.
Singapore-owned Torrens was prepared by Lauri Parker when successful in the inaugural running of the 2021 The Beauford, when he carried only 51kg after then apprentice Jenny Duggan claimed 1.5kg on him.
He was subsequently transferred to Chevalier, who claimed a maiden stakes victory when the horse won the Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick last December, with Josh Parr aboard.
Torrens rises to 56kg for his attempt at taking a second The Beauford, and Chevalier has retained his winning rider of two years ago, though she is now a senior jockey and thus cannot claim.
“Jenny knows the horse well, and has ridden him in his last two starts in The Metropolitan and ATC St Leger at Randwick,” Chevalier said this morning.
“The owner is happy to have her ride Torrens again, and so am I.”
Chevalier was encouraged by Torrens’ fourth to UK visitor Land Legend in the $500,000 St Leger (2500m) on October 14 to plan a crack at both The Beauford and Christmas Cup.
“Being a stallion, it has taken a while to get him fit and the St Leger was his fourth run this campaign,” he said.
“I’m not concerned about the five weeks’ break between runs. He just cantered for a fortnight after the St Leger, but worked very strongly over 1400m at Hawkesbury yesterday.
“He will have an easy gallop tomorrow, and is spot on for Saturday’s race.
“The form from the St Leger has worked out well, with both the second and third placegetters Cleveland and Kalapour subsequently winning Group races at the Melbourne spring carnival.”
Whilst Torrens finished only 14th in the Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) in mid-September at his second run this time in work, coincidentally he also ran 14th in the Group 3 contest two years ago before later winning The Beauford.
Chevalier, who won seven races last season, is looking for a new season breakthrough with Torrens after six minor placings since August 1.
Whilst only seven horses contested last year’s $300,000 The Beauford, 15 have accepted this year and Torrens has drawn barrier three.
Newcastle trainer Paul Perry runs both Olympic Gaze (Tom Sherry) and Sky Lab (Jason Collett).
Olympic Gaze was runner-up to Torrens two years ago, whilst Sky Lab contested the $1m Hunter (1300m) at last year’s meeting and ran sixth to Vilana.
Sunshine Coast trainer Kerry Taplin also has dual acceptors; Tappy’s Lad (apprentice Jett Stanley) and Tapildoodledo (Reece Jones).
Jones was aboard Tapildoodledo when the then three-year-old won the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens in March, defeating subsequent Group 1 ATC Derby winner Major Beel.
Tappy’s Lad will race in visors for the first time.
Strait Acer and Ayrton have been withdrawn from The Hunter, giving the first two emergencies Military Expert (Rachel King) and Melbourne visitor Umgawa (Liam Riordan) starts.
Murwillumbah-trained Far Too Easy (Jason Collett) is a firming $4.80 favorite with Tab.com.au after having the drawn the rails in the capacity field, with topweight Mazu (Nash Rawiller) next at $5.50.
. The rail is in the TRUE position for the 10-race program, which begins at 12.35pm, and a “Good 4” rating was posted this morning.
*Story John Curtis, November 15, 2023 - Pics Bradley Photos*
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