Danny O’Brien has elected to send talented two-year-old Brave Design to Morphettville this weekend, chasing a maiden victory at Stakes level in the Group 3 David Coles AM Stakes (1200m).
The stable also had the colt entered for the Next Payments Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield, but scratched him on Thursday to pursue Black Type honours in Adelaide instead.
“It’s a Group 3 race and he’s a colt and if he could win a Stakes race as a two-year-old it helps,” O’Brien said.
“His two runs in the autumn were terrific. He ran second to Vinrock in the Sires’ and the Talindert form has turn out good also.
“He seems to have improved and has come back very well and in Adelaide he doesn’t have to give them weight.”
Brave Design was third to Tentyris in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) on debut and then finished runner-up to Vinrock in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). Vinrock later claimed the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and was subsequently purchased by Yulong Stud.
Looking further ahead, Brave Design is entered for the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce (1400m) and Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm during the Brisbane Carnival.
“He’s entered for the Sires’ and J J Atkins in Brisbane, so he’ll run on Saturday and then it’s three weeks to the Sires’,” O’Brien said.
Also heading to Adelaide for the team is Litzdeel, who lines up in the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic (2500m) following a close second in the VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington.
Litzdeel is a half-sister to Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare, and O’Brien is hoping to cap her campaign with Stakes success.
“She’s in great shape,” he said.
“Her run was very brave the other day when she got photed out of it in the St Leger.
“She’s back against the fillies this time and seems to have come through the St Leger well and this will be her last run for the prep.
“It would be great to win a Stakes race with her as she’s a half-sister to Vow And Declare and she’s a promising stayer.”
For punters backing Brave Design or Litzdeel this weekend, explore the latest betting offers at our trusted Australian betting sites page.